JP2000300851A - Game system, game device usable in the same and storage medium readable by computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a flexible link of data among a plurality of game devices. SOLUTION: In a game system 1 which includes a game device 2 for business use wherein a game is performed according to a predetermined program and a game device 3 for home use, and in which information can be interchanged between these game devices, an information output means is provided in the device 2 to output judging information for judging whether or not predetermined requirements are satisfied in a game performed in the device 2. In the device 3, the contents of a game performed in the device 3 are varied based on the judging information outputted from the device 2. For example, when a predetermined game result is obtained in the device 2, the contents of the judging information is changed, whereupon a concealed element is displayed in the device 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game in which a plurality of game apparatuses, for example, an arcade game apparatus and a home game apparatus are linked to each other to link data to be executed on each apparatus by linking data. About the system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a type of a game device, a business (commercial) game device that can be played only in a range corresponding to a dropped economic value, and a storage device such as a CD-ROM in which game software is written. There are home-use game devices that can be freely played repeatedly as many times as a medium is set. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-242293 discloses a game system in which data can be exchanged between these game devices. In a home-use game device, a role-playing game or a simulation game is executed. Grow the characters that appear,
There is disclosed a game system for inputting data relating to the growth state of the character as initial ability data of a character appearing in a game executed on the arcade game device.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-299596 discloses a method in which a result of measuring a player's physical strength by a physical strength measuring game device is recorded in an IC memory, and the data on the IC memory is referred to by a fighting fighting game device. A game system that determines the ability of a character to be operated by a player (for example, a jumping power, a kicking power, and the like in a game) is disclosed.

[0004] In the game industry, when a new game is provided on an arcade game device, after a while, the same or a related company sells software that enables the same game to be played on a home game device. Sometimes. Conversely, sales of software for home-use game devices may precede, and after that, business-use game devices capable of playing the same game may be provided. These actions are commonly referred to as "transplants." When such porting is performed, since the game contents are the same or similar between the porting source and the porting destination, it is considered that the concept of data linkage as described in the above-mentioned publication is relatively easily introduced.

[0005]

However, in the game system described in the above-mentioned publication, the data defining the abilities of the characters appearing in the battle game is shared between the game devices. is there.

Generally, a character's ability is determined by a combination of a large number of parameters. In order to share the data among different game devices, the handling of each parameter in software of each game device is performed in advance. You have to decide in detail. As a result, it may be necessary to match the software development schedules of a plurality of game devices to be linked, or the software for other game devices may be adjusted in accordance with the specifications of the specific game device software developed in advance. There is a constraint to develop These constraints can make data linkage virtually impossible.

Recently, an instruction is given to a player to operate an input device such as a stepping board in accordance with music, and the player is caused to perform a dance. Music game machines are gaining in popularity. This type of game device does not advance a game by operating a specific character.
Therefore, the linking method described in the above-mentioned conventional publication cannot be used as it is. Data linking for music games has never been seen before, and it is necessary to newly consider a data linking system suitable for the game content.

[0008] Further, the linkage in the conventional game system is one-way with a main purpose of inputting data created by a home-use game device to a business-use game device and playing the data. Utilization of is not considered.

In view of the above, the present invention provides a game system capable of more flexibly linking data between a plurality of game devices and improving its feasibility and novelty. In particular, the present invention provides a data link suitable for a music game. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game system that realizes the above.

[0010]

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described. In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there are provided first and second game devices (2, 3) each of which executes a game according to a predetermined program, and information can be exchanged between these game devices. In the game system (1),
The first game device (2) has information output means (51,...) For outputting determination information (D11) for determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied in a game executed on the game device. 80) is provided, and the second game device causes a change in the content of the game executed on the second game device based on the determination information output from the first game device. Game content control means (10
1) is provided.

According to the present invention, in the game executed on the first game device, the second game device determines whether only a predetermined condition is satisfied and changes the game content. It is not necessary to preliminarily define the mutual relationship between game devices as in the case of inheriting the ability parameter of the game device. For example, the discrimination information may be so-called flag information of one bit, and how the second game device changes the game content in accordance with the state of the flag depends on the stage of development of the game executed on the first game device. There is no need to be particularly aware. Also, even in the development stage of the game executed on the second game device, it is not necessary to particularly recognize under what condition the discrimination information output from the first game device is based. As a result, there is no restriction on the development schedule, and cooperation between a plurality of game devices can be performed more flexibly and easily.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to the first aspect, an intermediary for exchanging information between the first game device (2) and the second game device (3). And a link storage device (4, 5) that functions as a storage device, and the discrimination information is transmitted from the first game device to the second game device via the link storage device. . Therefore, for example, when exchanging information between the arcade game device and the home game device, it is not necessary to bring the home game device to the place where the arcade game device is installed. The linking storage device can be composed of, for example, a portable small semiconductor memory.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to the first aspect, the discrimination information is transmitted from the first game device (2) to the second game device (3) via a predetermined communication medium. It is characterized by being transmitted to. According to the present invention, there is no need to prepare a link storage device separately from the game device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the information output means outputs a play result of a game executed on the first game device (2). The content of the discrimination information is changed and output based on the discrimination information. As a result, the game content of the second game device changes according to the game result of the first game device, so that the interest of the player is not biased to one of the game devices, and The value of the device and the second game device can be kept high. The play result includes, for example, a result related to a result such as a high score or the number of completed stages.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the game content control means provided in the second game device (3) controls the content of the game. As means for changing, based on the discrimination information, discrimination means (101) for discriminating whether or not the appearance of a predetermined hidden element in the game is permitted; Hidden element control means (101) for causing the hidden element to appear on the game, and prohibiting the appearance of the hidden element when the appearance is not permitted
And characterized in that:

The hidden element is a concept adopted in many games. For example, if a certain condition is satisfied, a stage which could not be selected until now appears or the number of characters which can be selected by the player increases. In the present invention,
The state of the game in the first game device is reflected on whether or not the hidden element appears in the second game device. For this reason, even if the player continues to play only the second game device, the hidden element does not appear or the appearance rate is set to be low. On the other hand, if the player plays the first game device, the hidden element is relatively set. Settings can be made so that hidden elements appear easily. Thereby, the player's interest can be equally attracted to both the first and second game devices, and the value of both game devices can be kept high.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to the fifth aspect, the information output means provided in the first game device (2) is configured to output the information when the play result is equal to or higher than a predetermined level. The discrimination information is set to a permission state, and the discrimination information is set to a non-permission state when the value is less than the certain level, and the discrimination information is provided. When the discrimination information is in the permission state, it is determined that the appearance is permitted. When the discrimination information is in the non-permission state, it is determined that the appearance is not permitted.

Therefore, if it is desired to make a hidden element appear in the game of the second game device, the player needs to play the game of the first game device until a play result of a certain level or more can be obtained. Thereby, the value of the first game device can be increased. In particular, when the second game device is a home game device and the first game device is a business game device, the interest of the player tends to be attracted to the home game device for economic reasons. By doing so, it is possible to attract players' interest in the arcade game device over a long period of time.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the second game device (3) has at least one operation member as a means for executing the game. An input device (112) for outputting a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member; music data for reproducing each of the plurality of songs; and an input device adapted to a song to be reproduced based on the music data. A game storage device (7, 103) in which guidance data for each song necessary for guiding the operation of the input device is recorded;
Song selection means (101) for selecting one song from the plurality of songs
Music reproducing means (101, 10) for reproducing the selected song based on music data corresponding to the selected song.
Operation guidance means (101, 108) for instructing the player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction means based on the guidance data corresponding to the selected music data. 104, 109),
Wherein a part of the plurality of songs is set as the hidden element, and the hidden element control unit selects the song set as the hidden element by the selecting unit when the appearance is permitted. When the appearance is not permitted, selection of the music set as the hidden element is disabled.

According to the present invention, in the second game device, a music game for enjoying the operation of the input device according to the music is executed. And some songs, which are important elements for enjoying music games, are set as hidden elements,
The player will also actively play the first game device to make the song appear as the hidden element.
Then, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game of the first game device, only the hidden song can be selected in the second game device, and the hidden song can be selected. As a result, the rules and processes regarding linkage between the game devices are simplified, and the concept of linkage can be introduced more flexibly and easily than in the past.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the second game device (3) includes at least one operating member (112a) as means for executing the game. , 112b), an input device (112) for outputting a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member, music data for reproducing a predetermined song, and music to be reproduced based on the music data. A game storage device (7, 1) in which guidance data necessary for guiding the combined operation of the input device is recorded.
03), music reproducing means (101, 106, 108) for reproducing the predetermined music based on the music data recorded in the game storage device, and the guidance device recorded in the game storage device. Operation guide means (10) for instructing the player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the predetermined music by the music reproduction means based on the data.
1, 104, 109). Further, the second
The game device includes mode selection means (101) for selecting one of a plurality of modes including an edit mode set as the hidden element, and operating the input device when the edit mode is selected. Editing means (101) for creating the guidance data in accordance with the above, and the hidden element control means (101) can select the editing mode by the selection means when the appearance is permitted. When the appearance is not permitted, selection of the edit mode is disabled.

According to the present invention, similarly to the invention of claim 7, a music game for enjoying the operation of the input device in time with music is executed on the second game device. In this music game, the content of the instruction of the input operation by the operation guide means has a great influence on the impression when playing the game, and the taste differs for each player. Therefore, by enabling the player to create and edit the guide data serving as a reference for this operation instruction, it is possible to create a play environment according to the player's preference, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game. It will be possible to attract for a long time. In the present invention, since the mode for editing the guide data is treated as one of the hidden elements, the player actively plays the first game device as in the case of the seventh aspect of the present invention. . Thereby, the interests of the players can be equally distributed to the respective game devices, and the values of both can be mutually enhanced.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to the eighth aspect, the first game device (2) comprises:
As means for executing the game, an input device (30) having at least one operation member and outputting a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member, and an input device (30) of the second game device (3) The music data for reproducing the same music as the music reproduced by the music reproducing means, and the guidance data necessary for guiding the operation of the input device in accordance with the music reproduced based on the music data include: A recorded game storage device (6, 53), music reproduction means (51, 60, 56) for reproducing the music based on the music data recorded in the game storage device; An operation guide unit (5) for instructing a player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction unit based on the guidance data recorded in the device.
Information for specifying the content of the guide data created by the editing means can be transmitted from the second game device to the first game device; The operation guide means of the first game device is capable of instructing the player to perform an operation based on the transmitted information.

According to the present invention, the first game device and the second game device each execute a music game in which the user enjoys operating the input device in time with music. In this music game, the play progresses mainly with a song and an operation instruction corresponding to the song, so that the same song can be played between game devices having different appearances and processing capabilities, such as a business game device and a home game device. There is a characteristic that almost the same play environment can be configured if the player can reproduce and guide the same operation instruction to the player. Therefore, if an instruction for operation is given to the other game device based on the content of the guide data created by one game device as in the present invention, the data created by oneself between game devices having different configurations can be obtained. Can be used to enjoy an equivalent game.

Here, in particular, a home-use game device is suitable for setting as the second game device of the present invention in that, since the play time is not restricted, the editing operation can be performed slowly and slowly. Further, the arcade game device is suitable for setting as the first game device of the present invention because it also has the property of a place where a player can show his / her own play to others. If a game can be played based on the data created by the user in such an environment, the satisfaction of the player will be extremely high. Moreover, the practice based on the data can be performed any number of times using the home game device without any limitation.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to the eighth or ninth aspect, the guidance data includes:
The editing device includes timing data that defines timing for operating the operation member of the input device, and the editing unit can create the timing data. According to the present invention, by using the timing data created by the player using the second game device in the first game device, the player can perform the operation adjusted by himself.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, one of the first game device and the second game device is an arcade game device (2). And the other one of the first game device and the second game device is a home game device (3). As described above, the first to tenth aspects of the present invention are suitable for a game system including an arcade game device and a home game device because the linkage of games can be performed flexibly and easily. In particular, when so-called porting of software is performed between these game apparatuses, the inventions of claims 1 to 10 can be effectively used in that a shift in the development schedule is allowed.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there are provided first and second game devices (2, 3) each of which executes a game according to a predetermined program, and information can be exchanged between these game devices. In the game system (1), each of the first and second game devices has at least one operation member as a unit for executing the game, and corresponds to an operation state of the operation member. An input device (30, 112) for outputting a signal;
And music data for reproducing the same song on each of the second game devices, and guidance data necessary for guiding the operation of the input device in accordance with the song to be reproduced based on the music data. A recorded game storage device (6, 7, 53, 103); and music reproduction means (51, 60, 56, 101, 106) for reproducing a song based on the music data recorded in the game storage device. , 1
08) and operation guidance means (51, 54) for instructing a player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction means based on the guidance data recorded in the game storage device. , 14,101,10
Editing means (101) for creating the guidance data in accordance with an operation on the input device; and the created guidance information for the second game device (3). Information output means (101) for outputting information for specifying the content of data is provided, and the operation guide means of the first game device is provided with the guide data output from the second game device. It is possible to provide a game system characterized in that an operation can be instructed to the player based on information for specifying the content of the game.

According to the present invention, as described in connection with the ninth aspect of the present invention, the same game can be enjoyed between game devices having different configurations by utilizing data created by the user. In particular, if the home game apparatus is set as the second game apparatus and the arcade game apparatus is set as the first game apparatus, a wide playing method that cannot be obtained with a single game apparatus by utilizing these characteristics. Can be provided to the player, and the value of the software of the arcade game device and the home game device that execute the music game can be significantly increased.

According to a thirteenth aspect, in the game system according to the twelfth aspect, the first game device (2) is provided.
And a linkage storage device (4, 5) functioning as an intermediary for exchanging information between the game device and the second game device (3). Is transmitted from the second game device to the first game device. Therefore, information can be easily exchanged between the arcade game device and the home game device as in the second aspect of the invention.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to the twelfth aspect, information for specifying the contents of the timing data is transmitted from the second game device to the first game device via a predetermined communication medium. It is transmitted to a game device. Therefore, similarly to the invention of claim 3,
There is no need to prepare a link storage device separately from the game device.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to the twelfth aspect, the guide data includes timing data defining timing for operating an operation member of the input device, and The means is capable of creating the timing data. Therefore, the timing of operating the input device can be adjusted according to the player's preference.

In the game system according to the twelfth aspect, the operation guide means includes a predetermined index (for example, 2
04L) is displayed on the game screen (20) when it is time to operate the operation member of the input device.
0) may be relatively moved and displayed so as to reach a predetermined position (for example, a position overlapping with the mark 203L) in (0) to guide the operation (claim 16). Then, the editing means can set a timing at which the index reaches the predetermined position in accordance with an operation of the input device (claim 17). In this case, the timing of operating the input device is adjusted according to the player's preference. Further, the guide data may include image data necessary for displaying the index, and the editing unit may be capable of creating image data required for displaying the index. Item 18). In this case, the index displayed in the game screen can be adjusted according to the player's preference. Then, if this index is created on, for example, a home game device and used on a business game device, originality can be appealed to many audiences. This stimulates both the willingness to play the arcade game device and the willingness to create an index using the home game device, thereby further increasing the player's interest in both game devices.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the first and second game devices (2, 3), each of which executes a game in accordance with a predetermined program, function as an intermediary for exchanging information between these game devices. In the game system (1) including the linking storage devices (4, 5), the first game device (2) includes notification information (D12, D13, D1) for notification to the player.
Information recording means (5) for recording (4) in the link storage device.
1, 80), the second game device (3) reads the notification information recorded in the linkage storage device, and provides the notification information to the second game device. An object of the present invention is to provide a game system provided with information display means (101, 104) for displaying on a screen of a display device (109).

According to the present invention, the information recorded in the link storage device in the first game device can be displayed on the second game device to check the contents. in this case,
In particular, if the arcade game device is set as the first game device and the home game device is set as the second game device, various information is distributed from the arcade game device to each home via the link storage device. be able to. As the notification information, information such as a result such as a high score recorded by the player on the first game device, a change in the specification of the first game device, and a unique advertisement or advertisement of the store where the first game device is installed. , May be an event guide.

According to a twentieth aspect, in the game system according to the nineteenth aspect, information input means (68, 30, 51) for inputting the notification information is provided in the first game device. It is characterized by the following. Therefore, the operator or the like of the first game device can input arbitrary character information or the like as the notification information and distribute it to the installation location of the second game device.

The invention of claim 21 is the invention of claim 19 or 2
0, the first game device (2) and the second game device (3) are each configured to execute substantially the same game,
The notification information includes information (D12) corresponding to a play result of the first game device.

In the present invention, since substantially the same game is played on the first and second game devices, play results such as game results obtained on each game device are compared with each other to provide a reference for playing. Can be. In particular, when the results such as a high score acquired by the arcade game device are displayed on the home game device, the same game can be repeatedly practiced in the game of the home game device with reference to the results.
Whether or not the compared games are substantially the same can be determined with reference to, for example, how to play, rules, screen configuration, progress of the game, and the like.

The invention of claim 22 is the invention of claim 19 or 2
0, each of the first and second game devices (2, 3) has at least one operation member as a means for executing the game, and operates the operation member. An input device (30, 112) for outputting a signal corresponding to a state, music data for reproducing each of a plurality of songs, and operation of the input device in accordance with a song reproduced based on the music data. A game storage device (6, 7, 53, 103) in which guidance data necessary for guidance is recorded, and a song selection means (51, 101) for selecting one song from the plurality of songs are selected. Music reproducing means (51, 60, 56, 1) for reproducing the selected song based on music data corresponding to the selected song.
01, 106, 108) and operation guidance means for instructing the player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction means based on the guidance data corresponding to the selected music data ( 51, 54, 14,
101, 104, 109), and an evaluation for evaluating the play content of the player based on a difference between the operation of the input device instructed by the operation guide means and the actual operation of the input device by the player. Means (51, 10
1), and the information recording means (51, 80) of the first game device stores information (D1) corresponding to the evaluation result of the evaluation means provided in the first game device.
2) as the notification information, the linking recording device (4, 4).
5) It is characterized in that recording is possible.

In the present invention, a music game is executed in which the first game device and the second game device operate the input device in accordance with an instruction given along with music. In a music game, if a song matches an operation instruction for the song, the same play environment can be easily configured between game devices having different appearances and processing capabilities as described above. Then, since the player can check the evaluation of the play content on the first game device on the second game device, the evaluation can be used as a guide when practicing the game using the second game device.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there are provided first and second game devices (2, 3) each of which executes a game according to a predetermined program, and information can be exchanged between these game devices. A game system, wherein each of the first and second game devices has at least one operation member as a means for executing the game, and outputs a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member. Input device (30, 112), music data for reproducing each of the plurality of songs, and songs necessary for guiding the operation of the input device in accordance with the songs to be reproduced based on the music data A game storage device (6, 7, 53, 103) in which guidance data for each is recorded, and song selection means (51, 10) for selecting one song from the plurality of songs.
1) and music reproducing means (51, 6) for reproducing the selected song based on music data corresponding to the selected song.
0, 56, 101, 106, 108) and the guidance data corresponding to the selected music data, and instructs the player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction means. Operation guide means (51,
54, 14, 101, 104, and 109), and the content of the player's play based on the difference between the operation of the input device instructed by the operation guide means and the actual operation of the input device by the player. Evaluation means (51, 101) for evaluating the information, and outputs information (D12) corresponding to the evaluation result of the evaluation means provided in the first game device to the first game device. Information output means (51, 80) is provided to the second game device, based on information corresponding to the evaluation result output from the first game device. Information display means (101, 104) for displaying an evaluation result of the evaluation means provided in the first game device on a screen of the display device (109) provided; It is intended to provide a game system.

According to the present invention, similarly to the invention of the twenty-second aspect, since the player can confirm the evaluation of the play content on the first game device with the second game device, the second game device can be used for the evaluation. You can use the evaluation as a guide when practicing the game.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to any one of the nineteenth to twenty-third aspects, the first game device is a business game device (2) and the second game device is a second game device.
Is a home game device (3). Therefore, as described in claim 19, various information can be distributed from the arcade game device to each home.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the game can be executed in accordance with a predetermined program, and the other game device (3)
A game device (2) capable of exchanging information with the game device,
Determining means (51) for determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied in the executed game, and determining information (D11) corresponding to a result of determination by the determining means for use in the other game device. Information output means (51, 8)
0) is provided. This game device can be used as a first game device in the game system of claim 1.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the game device according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the information output means is provided for a link storage device (4, 5) from which the other game device can read information. The discrimination information is recorded. This game device can be used as a first game device in the game system of claim 2.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect, in the game device according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the information output means outputs the discrimination information to the other game device via a predetermined communication medium. . This game device can be used as a first game device in the game system of claim 3.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, the game can be executed in accordance with a predetermined program, and the other game apparatus (2)
A game device (3) capable of exchanging information with the game device,
Discrimination information (D1) for discriminating whether a predetermined condition is satisfied in a game executed on the other game device.
When 1) is output from the other game device,
An information detecting means (10) for detecting the output discrimination information.
The present invention provides a game device comprising: 1) a game content control means (101) for causing a change in the content of a game executed by the game device itself based on the detected discrimination information. This game device can be used as a second game device in the game system of claim 1.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the game device according to the twenty-eighth aspect, the discrimination information is recorded from the other game device in a predetermined linkage storage device (4, 5), and the information detection means It is characterized in that the discrimination information recorded in the link storage device is detected. This game device can be used as a second game device in the game system of claim 2.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, in the game device according to the twenty-eighth aspect, the information detecting means detects the discrimination information via a predetermined communication medium. This game device can be used as a second game device in the game system of claim 3.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, in the game apparatus according to any one of the twenty-eighth to thirty-fifth aspects, the game content control means (101) is configured to: Determining means (101) for determining whether or not to allow a predetermined hidden element to appear in the game based on (D11); And a hidden element control means (101) for prohibiting the appearance of the hidden element when the appearance is not permitted. This game device can be used as the second game device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention.

According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, in the game device according to the thirty-first aspect, an input device (112) having at least one operation member and outputting a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member, Music data for reproducing each of the songs, and guidance data for each of the songs required to guide the operation of the input device in accordance with the songs to be reproduced based on the music data. A storage device (7, 103); a song selection unit (101) for selecting one song from the plurality of songs; and a music playback unit for playing back the selected song based on music data corresponding to the selected song. (101, 106, 108) and, based on the guidance data corresponding to the selected music data, the player operates the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction means. Operation guide means to instruct the (10
1, 104, 109), and a part of the plurality of songs is set as the hidden element, and the hidden element control means is set as the hidden element when the appearance is permitted. In this case, it is possible to select the selected music by the selection means, and to disable the selection of the music set as the hidden element when the appearance is not permitted.
This game device can be used as a second game device according to claim 7.

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, in the game device according to the thirty-first aspect, an input device (112) having at least one operation member and outputting a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member, A game storage device (7, 2) in which music data for reproducing the music of the game and guidance data necessary for guiding the operation of the input device in accordance with the music reproduced based on the music data are recorded. 1
03), music reproducing means (101, 106, 108) for reproducing the predetermined music based on the music data recorded in the game storage device, and the guidance device recorded in the game storage device. Operation guide means (10) for instructing the player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the predetermined music by the music reproduction means based on the data.
Mode selection means (101) for selecting one mode from a plurality of modes including an edit mode set as the hidden element, and the input device when the edit mode is selected. Editing means (101) for creating the guidance data in response to an operation on the hidden element control means, wherein the hidden element control means can select the editing mode by the selection means when the appearance is permitted When the appearance is not permitted, selection of the edit mode is disabled. This game device can be used as the second game device of claim 8.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to the thirty-third aspect, the guide data includes timing data defining a timing of operating an operation member of the input device, and the editing means outputs the timing data. Data can be created. Therefore, the timing of operating the input device can be adjusted according to the player's preference.

According to a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game device (2) capable of executing a game according to a predetermined program and exchanging information with another game device, comprising at least one operation member. An input device for outputting a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member; music data for reproducing a predetermined song; and the input device adapted to a song reproduced based on the music data. A game storage device (6, 53) in which guidance data necessary for guiding the operation of the game is recorded, and music reproduction means for reproducing the music based on the music data recorded in the game storage device (51, 60, 56), and based on the guidance data recorded in the game storage device, the player operates the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction means. Operation guide means to instruct the (51,5
(4, 14) and information receiving means (51, 80) for receiving information (F2) for specifying the content of the guidance data corresponding to the predetermined song prepared by the other game device.
And the operation guide means is capable of instructing the player to perform an operation based on the information received by the information receiving means. This game device can be used as a first game device in the game system of claims 9 and 12.

According to a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the game device according to the thirty-fifth aspect, the guidance data includes timing data defining timing for operating an operation member of the input device. The receiving means receives information for specifying the content of the timing data. This game device can be used as a first game device in the game system of claim 15.

According to a thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the game device according to the thirty-fifth aspect, the operation guide means displays a predetermined index (for example, 204L) when a timing to operate an operation member of the input device comes. At a predetermined position in the game screen (for example, a position where the mark overlaps the mark 203L)
, So that the operation is guided by relatively moving and displaying so as to reach. This game device can be used as a first game device in the game system of claim 16.

According to a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the game device according to the thirty-seventh aspect, the information receiving means relates to a timing at which the index reaches the predetermined position as information for specifying the contents of the guide data. Receiving information. This game device can be used as a first game device in the game system of claim 17.

According to a thirty-ninth aspect, in the game system according to the thirty-seventh aspect, the guide data includes image data necessary for displaying the index, and the information receiving means includes: As information for specifying the contents of the guidance data, information on image data necessary for displaying the index is received. This game device can be used as a first game device in the game system of claim 18.

According to a forty aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device having at least one operation member for outputting a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member, music data for reproducing a predetermined music, And a game storage device (103) in which guidance data necessary for guiding the operation of the input device in accordance with the music played based on the music data is recorded. Music reproducing means (101, 106, 108) for reproducing the music on the basis of the music data; and reproduction of the music by the music reproducing means on the basis of the guidance data recorded in the game storage device. Operation guide means (101, 10) for instructing the player to operate the input device in accordance with
4, 109), an editing means (101) for creating the guidance data in response to an operation on the input device, and an information output means (101) for outputting information for specifying the content of the created guidance data. ), The operation guide means displays a predetermined index (for example, 204L) at a predetermined position in the game screen (200) when the timing to operate the operation member of the input device comes. The guide data includes image data necessary for displaying the index, and the editing means displays the index. A game device capable of creating image data necessary for the game. This game device can be used as a second game device in the game system of claim 16.

An invention according to claim 41 is an arcade game device (2) capable of executing a game in accordance with a predetermined program, comprising at least one operation member, and outputting a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member. Input device for output (30)
And a game storage device in which music data for reproducing a predetermined song and guidance data necessary for guiding an operation of the input device in accordance with the song reproduced based on the music data are recorded. (6, 53), music reproducing means (51, 60, 56) for reproducing the music based on the music data recorded in the game storage device, and the guidance recorded in the game storage device Operation guide means (51, 54, 14) for instructing a player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction means based on the application data; Evaluation means (51) for evaluating the play content of the player based on a difference between the operation of the input device and the actual operation of the input device by the player; The information corresponding to the result (D12), a storage device for use by a consumer game device (3) (4,
5) An information recording means (51, 80) for recording in a manner readable by the consumer game device. The game device according to the present invention can be used as a first game device according to claim 22.

An invention according to claim 42 is an arcade game device (2) in which play is permitted within a range set according to the economic value dropped by a player, wherein the information generation device generates information including characters. Means (51) and a mode in which the information generated by the information generating means can be read by the consumer game device to a storage device (4, 5) used by the consumer game device (3). Information recording means (51,
80) are provided. This game device is provided in claim 19
Can be used as the first game device.

The invention of claim 43 is the arcade game device according to claim 42, wherein the information generating means (51).
Is an input device (6) provided in the arcade game device.
8, 30), wherein the information is generated in accordance with an operation. A game device according to the present invention is provided in claim 20
Can be used as the first game device.

The invention according to claim 44 is a computer-readable storage medium (6) in which a program for causing a game device (2) using a computer to execute a predetermined game is recorded, wherein the program A determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game, and determination information corresponding to a determination result of the determination means used by another game device (3). The present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium configured to function as an information output unit that outputs. By reading and executing the program recorded in the storage medium of the present invention with a computer, the game device according to claim 25 can be constituted.

The invention according to claim 45 is a computer-readable storage medium (7) in which a program for causing a game device (3) using a computer to execute a predetermined game is recorded. Is output from the other game device the determination information (D11) for determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game executed on the other game device (2). In this case, the information processing means functions as information detection means for detecting the output discrimination information, and game content control means for causing a change in the content of a game executed by the game device itself based on the detected discrimination information. A storage medium readable by a computer, characterized in that the storage medium is configured to cause the storage medium to read. If the computer reads and executes the program recorded in the storage medium of the present invention, the game device according to claim 28 can be constituted.

According to a forty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the input device (3) of the game device (2) adapted to music data for reproducing a predetermined music and the music reproduced based on the music data.
Computer-readable storage medium storing guide data necessary for guiding the operation 0) and a program for causing a computer of the game device to execute the music data and a music game using the guide data. (6) In the program, the program causes the computer to receive information (F2) for specifying the content of the guidance data corresponding to the predetermined song prepared in another game device (3). Information receiving means, and operation instruction means for instructing the player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the predetermined music, based on the information received by the information receiving means, and configured to function as: And a computer-readable storage medium. By reading and executing the program recorded in the storage medium of the present invention by a computer, the game device according to claim 35 can be constituted.

The invention according to claim 47 is the input device (3) of the game device (2) adapted to music data for reproducing a predetermined music and the music reproduced based on the music data.
Computer-readable storage medium storing guide data necessary for guiding the operation 0) and a program for causing a computer of the game device to execute the music data and a music game using the guide data. (6) In the program, the program adjusts the computer to music reproducing means for reproducing the music based on the music data, and to the music reproducing means reproducing the music based on the guidance data. Operation guide means for instructing the player to operate the input device, the operation of the input device instructed by the operation guide means, based on the difference between the actual operation of the input device by the player,
Evaluation means for evaluating the play contents of the player, and information corresponding to the evaluation result of the evaluation means (D12)
As information recording means for recording in a storage device (4, 5) used in the home game apparatus (3) in a manner readable by the home game apparatus, respectively. It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage medium readable by a computer. By reading and executing the program recorded in the storage medium of the present invention by a computer, the game device according to claim 41 can be constituted.

According to a forty-eighth aspect of the present invention, the input device (1) of the game device (3) adapted to music data for reproducing a predetermined music and the music reproduced based on the music data.
12) guidance data necessary to guide the operation,
A computer-readable storage medium (7) in which a program for causing a computer of a game device to execute a music game using the music data and the guidance data is recorded. Music reproducing means for reproducing the music based on the music data, operation guiding means for instructing a player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproducing means based on the guidance data, the input; The operation guide is configured to function as editing means for creating the guide data in accordance with an operation on the device, and as information output means for outputting information for specifying the content of the created guide data. The means sends a predetermined index (for example, 204L) at a timing when the operation member of the input device should be operated. Then, the operation is guided by relatively moving and displaying the index so as to reach a predetermined position (for example, a position overlapping with the mark 203L) in the game screen (200), and the index is included in the guidance data. The editing means provides a computer-readable storage medium which contains image data necessary for display and in which the image data necessary for displaying the index can be created. By reading and executing the program recorded in the storage medium of the present invention by a computer, the game device according to claim 40 can be constituted.

The invention according to claim 49 is provided with first and second game devices (2, 3) each of which executes a game according to a predetermined program, and information can be exchanged between these game devices. In the game system (1), each of the first and second game devices has at least one operation member as a unit for executing the game, and corresponds to an operation state of the operation member. An input device (30, 112) for outputting a signal;
Music data for playing a predetermined song on each of the second game devices, and play data created in association with the operation of the input device in accordance with the song played based on the music data. A recorded game storage device (6, 7, 53, 103); and music reproduction means (51, 60, 56, 101, 10) for reproducing a song based on the music data recorded in the game storage device.
And operation guide means (51) for instructing a player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction means based on the play data recorded in the game storage device. , 54, 14, 10
Editing means (101) for creating the play data in response to an operation on the input device; and the created play data. Information output means (101) for outputting information for specifying the content of
The third aspect of the present invention provides a game system wherein the game can be executed by using the play data output from the second game apparatus. According to the present invention, the player can create at least a part of the play data created in association with the music data according to his / her preference, and enjoy the original play using the data. 49. The invention according to claim 49, wherein the play data includes, for example, guidance data for performing operation guidance, and responds to the operation when the input device is operated in response to an instruction from the operation guidance means. Data that defines the effect to be produced. The editing means may be capable of creating data defining the effect.
0). Sound and video can be used as the effect.

In the invention according to the above claims, the storage device and storage medium such as the linking storage device include various storage media such as a semiconductor memory, a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, and a magneto-optical storage medium. The communication medium may be, for example, a wired type using a network line or the like, or a wireless type using infrared rays or the like. The creation of the timing data includes both a case where new data is created and a case where existing data is modified to create new data. The “same song” is a concept including a range in which at least a part of the melody can be recognized to be the same, and may be included in the range of the same song as long as the same guide data can be used even if the arrangement and tempo of the song are different. The guidance data is used to provide operation guidance, for example, data that defines the timing of operating the input device, image data used to present the operation procedure defined by the timing data to the player, and the like. Various data may be included. The movement display of the index by the operation guide means may be a method of moving the index itself in the game screen, or a method of fixing the index and moving a reference position overlapping the index with respect to the index. That is, it is only necessary that the index and the predetermined position corresponding to the index relatively move within the game screen.

[0071]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a game system to which the present invention is applied. The illustrated game system 1 includes an arcade game device 2, a home game device 3,
A memory card 4 as a medium for exchanging data between the two game apparatuses 2 and 3 and a PDA (Personal Digi
tal Assistant) 5. The arcade game device 2 includes a game execution unit 50 and a link control unit 80, which will be described later in detail. The memory card 4 includes a rewritable and storable semiconductor memory (for example, flash ROM). The storage area of the semiconductor memory is divided into an appropriate number (for example, 15) of blocks. One block is further divided into 64 sectors, and one sector has a storage capacity of 128 bits.

The memory card 4 is inserted into card slots provided in the arcade game device 2 and the home game device 3, respectively, so that the game devices 2, 3 are inserted.
Is electrically connected to The PDA 5 has a CPU, a memory,
It is configured as a portable computer with a built-in liquid crystal monitor, speaker and the like, and can function as a portable home game device itself according to a program written in a built-in memory.

The PDA 5 is inserted into a card slot provided in the consumer game device 3 and is electrically connected to the device. The PDA 5 has a built-in infrared communication device, for example, IrDA (Infrared Data Association).
Arcade game device 2 and PDA in accordance with the standard
5 is possible. The PDA 5 can function as a storage medium equivalent to the memory card 4 using a built-in memory. In the following, description of the memory card 4 is also applied to the PDA 5 unless otherwise specified. In the game system 1 of the present embodiment, the game devices 2 and 3 mutually refer to data recorded on the memory card 4 so that the game devices 2 and 3 can refer to each other.
Although various linkages are established between the devices 3, the contents of the devices 2 and 3 will be described below on the premise of understanding the details of the linkages.

FIG. 2 shows the external appearance of the arcade game device 2. This game device 2 is configured for the purpose of enjoying dancing to music, and has a game machine main body 10 and a stage 30 attached to the front thereof. The game machine main body 10 has a housing 11 configured by combining wooden panels and the like, and speakers 12 for heavy bass are installed on both sides of the front surface of the housing 11. A coin insertion unit 13 is provided between the speakers 12 and 12.
Is provided. A monitor 14 using a CRT is installed on the upper surface of the housing 11, and a pair of truss-structured columns 15, 15 are provided on the sides of the monitor 14, and speakers 16, 16 for music reproduction are provided at the upper end of each column 15. Is attached. A pair of operation input units 17 and 17 are provided at the lower end of the monitor 14, and a predetermined number (three in the figure) of push button switches 18. These push button switches 18 are used, for example, for selecting a game mode.

A card insertion section 19 is provided between the operation input sections 17 and 17. A card slot 20 into which the memory card 4 can be inserted and a PDA 5
Communication unit 2 for performing infrared communication with the
1 is provided.

The stage 30 is specially prepared as an input device exclusively for a dance game, and has a pair of play units 31 arranged side by side. Each play section 31 has an area sufficient for one player to freely dance, and the center thereof is set as the player's home position 31a. Each of the playing units 31 has a foot switch 32F, 32B, 32 that outputs a predetermined signal in response to a stepping operation by the player.
L, 32R (sometimes represented by reference numeral 32) are provided in a cross shape in front, rear, left and right. Further, a handrail 33 is provided at the front end of each play section 31.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the game execution section 50 provided in the game apparatus 2. The game execution unit 50 is a part that executes a dance game according to a game program recorded on the CD-ROM 6 as a storage medium.
The game execution unit 50 can be configured using a general-purpose control system provided in a general arcade game device as it is.

A game execution unit 50 shown in FIG. 3 includes a CPU 51 mainly composed of a microprocessor, a ROM 52 and a RAM 53 serving as storage devices for the CPU 51, and an image output and an audio output in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 51. And a graphics processing unit (GPU) 54 and a sound processing unit (SPU) 56 for executing necessary processing. In the ROM 52, an operating system as a program necessary for controlling the overall operation of the game apparatus 2 is written. In the RAM 53, game programs and data read from the CD-ROM 6 are recorded as necessary. The GPU 54 receives the image data from the CPU 51, draws the game screen on the frame buffer 55, converts the drawn image into a predetermined video reproduction signal, and outputs it to the monitor 14 at a predetermined timing. The SPU 56 reproduces data such as voice and musical sound, sound source data, and the like read from the CD-ROM 6 and recorded in the sound buffer 57 and outputs the data from the speakers 12 and 16.

The CPU 51 has a system bus 58.
CD-ROM reader 60, PCMCIA interface 61, peripheral device control board (SUB PC
B) 62, serial interface 63 and input device interface 64 are connected. CD-R
The OM reader 60 reads C
It reads programs and data recorded on the D-ROM 6 and outputs signals corresponding to the read contents.

Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the CD-RO
M6 includes a program necessary for executing a predetermined dance game by the game device 2 and music data D1 for reproducing music (songs) used in the game.
Image data D3 for displaying, on the monitor 14, a dance scene or the like in accordance with the music reproduced based on the timing data D2 and the music data D1 that define the procedure for depressing the foot switch 32 in accordance with the music.
Is recorded. A plurality of music data D1 are prepared, and image data D3 is prepared for each music. These are managed with a code for each song. A plurality of sets of the timing data D2 are prepared for one piece of music data D1 by changing, for example, the difficulty level and the play mode. The play mode will be described later. The set of timing data D2 is further divided into data blocks for each bar of the corresponding song. Each data block, when the corresponding bar is decomposed into a predetermined number of beats, for example, 4 beats or 8 beats, each foot switch 3
2 includes information specifying at which beat the operation should be performed.

The music data D1 is, for example, a CD-DA or a CD.
-ROM Recorded in XA format. CD
The ROM reading device 60 decodes predetermined music data recorded on the CD-ROM 6 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 51, and can directly supply the music data to the SPU 56 without passing through the bus 58. The SPU 56 performs D / A conversion on the data sent from the CD-ROM reader 60, and
2 and 16, thereby playing a predetermined music. The correspondence between the performance position of the music reproduced based on the music data D1 and the operation timing defined by the step data D2 is, for example, the number of beats of each bar of the music and the CD-R
The determination is made based on a table that associates the sector numbers on the OM 6 with the sector numbers.

The PCMCIA interface 61 is for exchanging data with a so-called PC card. The peripheral device control board (SUB PCB) 62
Various peripheral devices provided in game device 2 and CPU 51
To control data communication and the like between them. An illumination device 65, a coin discriminating device 66, and the stage 30 are connected to the peripheral device control board 62. Illumination device 65
Includes a decorative lamp, a halogen lamp, and the like provided in each part of the game apparatus 2. The coin discriminating device 66 discriminates whether the coin inserted from the coin insertion unit 13 is true or false and the amount inserted, and outputs a signal corresponding to the discrimination result to the CPU 51. The outline of the stage 30 is as described above, and the output signal from each foot switch 32 is guided to the CPU 51 via the SUB PCB 62. Serial interface 6
Reference numeral 3 is for performing communication with the link control unit 80. The serial interface 63 is a general-purpose communication standard for arcade game devices, such as JVS (Japan Video).
Standard). The input device interface 64 is for connecting a general-purpose input device 68 generally provided in the arcade game device 2 such as a joystick to the CPU 51. Here, the push button switch 18 of the operation input unit 17 shown in FIG.
4 is connected.

FIG. 4 shows details of the link control unit 80. The link control unit 80 is provided especially for linking data using the memory card 4 between the arcade game device 2 and the home game device 3. Functions as one of peripheral devices. If it is not necessary to link data with the home game apparatus 3, it is not necessary to attach the link control unit 80 to the arcade game apparatus 2.

As shown in FIG. 4, the link control unit 80
Is a microprocessor unit (MPU) for control 8
One. The MPU 81 has a BOOT-ROM in which a program for activation processing of the link control unit 80 is stored.
82, a work RAM 83 as a temporary storage device for the MPU 81, a serial interface 84 for performing serial communication conforming to the JVS standard between the game execution unit 50, and a memory card slot 2
Interfaces 85 and 86 for the wireless communication unit 21 and the infrared communication unit 21 and an interface 87 for the security IC mounting board 90 are connected. In addition,
The MPU 81, the ROM 82, the RAM 83, and the interfaces 85, 86, 87 are integrated on a common printed wiring board, and are integrally attached to and detached from the game apparatus 2.

As an initialization process at the time of starting the game apparatus 2, the MPU 81 checks the operation of each section of the link control section 80 and prepares the communication protocol of the serial interface 82 according to the program recorded in the BOOT-ROM 82, and thereafter executes the game. It waits until there is a call from the CPU 51 of the unit 50. Memory card 4 or PDA5
A communication control program necessary for performing communication with the game RAM 50 is transmitted from the game execution unit 50 to the work RAM by serial communication.
83 and is executed by the MPU 81. BOO
The reason that these communication control programs are not mounted on the T-ROM 82 is that the BOOT-ROM 82 does not need to be rewritten for a future version upgrade due to a change in the algorithm for communication with the memory card 4 or the infrared communication, and is flexible. This is to make it possible to respond. For this purpose, the card interface 85 and the infrared communication (IrDA) interface 86 are constituted by programmable devices, for example, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The security IC mounting board 90 references the individual ID of the software recorded on the CD-ROM 6 in cooperation with the link control unit 80 to determine whether or not the software has been copied illegally. Security IC is installed.

After the above-described initialization processing, the link control unit 80
Are as follows until the data can be read from and written to the memory card 4. When the power of the game apparatus 2 is turned on and the above-described initialization processing is executed, the link control unit 80 waits for the transfer of the communication control program from the game execution unit 50 described above, and the game execution unit 5
Wait for a call from the CPU 51 of 0. Thereafter, the CPU 51 of the game execution unit 50 checks the activation status of the link control unit 80 via the JVS standard serial communication line, and subsequently verifies the integrity of the security IC. At this time, if the security IC assumed by the game execution unit 50 is not mounted on the security IC mounting board 90, the fact that there is no consistency is displayed on the monitor 14, and the subsequent processing is interrupted. For example, when the CD-ROM 6 is copied illegally or when the security IC mounting board 90 is a counterfeit product, the integrity between the software on the CD-ROM 6 and the security IC is not maintained. , Can not start the game.

On the other hand, if the security check is successful,
A communication control program for the memory card 4 is transferred from the game execution unit 50 to the work RAM 83. In parallel with this, a program for causing the device to function as the interfaces 85 and 86 is transferred to the programmable devices constituting the card interface 85 and the infrared communication interface 86.

When the transfer of the program is completed, the MPU 8
1 starts control based on the program transferred to the specific address of the work RAM 83. In the control, first, circuit information is transferred to a programmable device (FPGA), and circuits functioning as the interfaces 85 and 86 are initialized. Thereafter, the MPU 81 controls the interfaces 85 and 86 to read and write data from and to the memory card 4 and the PDA 5 in accordance with an instruction sent from the CPU 51 via the serial communication line.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system of the home game apparatus 3. The home game apparatus 3 executes a predetermined game in accordance with a game program recorded on a CD-ROM 7 as a storage medium, and has a basic configuration similar to that of the game execution unit 50 of the arcade game apparatus 2. It is. That is, the game apparatus 3 includes a CPU 101 mainly configured by a microprocessor and the CPU 1
ROM 102 and RA as a storage device for
M103, a graphics processing unit (GPU) 104 and a sound processing unit (SPU) 106 for image processing and audio processing, buffers 105 and 107 for those units, and a CD
And a ROM reading device 108. GPU10
4, SPU 106, and CD-ROM reader 108
Are the same as those of the GPU 54, the SPU 56, and the CD-ROM reading device 60 in FIG. Note that the monitor 109 includes a home television receiver and a speaker 110.
, A built-in speaker of the television receiver is generally used.

Further, a communication control device 111 is connected to the CPU 101 via the bus 100, and the memory card 4 and the PDA 5 are connected to the CPU 101 via the device 111.
Connected to PU101. Further, the communication control device 1
11 is connected to a controller 112 as an input device. The controller 112 is provided with an operation member for receiving an operation by the player. For example, a cross key 112a for inputting up, down, left, and right directions and push button switches 112b are provided as operation members. The communication control device 111 scans the operation state of the operation members 112a and 112b of the controller 112 at a constant period (for example, 1/60 second), and outputs a signal corresponding to the scan result to the CPU 10.
Output to 1. The CPU 101 determines the operation state of the controller 112 based on the signal. Although the controller 112 may be a general-purpose controller, it may be replaced with a dedicated controller having four foot switches similarly to the stage 30 and the play unit 31 of the arcade game device 2.

[0091] The CD-ROM 7 includes programs necessary for executing a dance game similar to the dance game executed on the arcade game device 2 on the home game device 3 and music used in the game. Is recorded, and timing data defining a procedure for operating the controller 112 in accordance with the music is recorded. Music data is prepared for multiple songs,
At least a part thereof is common to the music of the music data recorded on the CD-ROM 6. Music data is CD-ROM6
Similarly to the case of, for example, CD-DA or CD-ROM XA
It is recorded in a format, and the CD-ROM reader 108 reads the CD-R
The predetermined music data recorded on the OM 7 can be decoded and supplied directly to the SPU 106 without passing through the bus 100. These points are the same as the example of the CD-ROM 6 shown in FIG. Although the programs and data on the CD-ROMs 6 and 7 are different depending on the difference in the configuration of the game apparatuses 2 and 3, they are conveniently handled as common in the following to avoid redundant description.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a game screen displayed on the monitor 14 or 109 during the play of the dance game executed according to the programs recorded on the CD-ROMs 6 and 7. It should be noted that, although there may be a difference in the details of the game screen between the arcade game device 2 and the home game device 3,
Here, description will be made assuming that the same screen is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 7, the game screen 200 is
The image includes a background image 201 and gauges 202L and 202R that are displayed on both ends of the background image 201 (both may be represented by reference numeral 202). The background image 201 is generated based on the image data D3 in FIG.
The moving image in which the CR is dancing is represented in the background image 201. The gauges 202L and 202R are images for instructing a player to perform an operation in accordance with music. At the upper end of the gauges 202L and 202R, a screen 200
Reference marks 203F, 203B, 203L, and 203R (hereinafter, referred to as symbolized arrows pointing up, down, left, and right inside)
It may be represented by reference numeral 203. ) Are displayed side by side in a row. In the case of the arcade game device 2, the reference mark 203F is on the foot switch 32F in front of the home position 31a, and the reference mark 203B is on the foot switch 32B in back of the home position 31a.
The reference mark 203L corresponds to the left foot switch 32L of the home position 31a, and the reference mark 203R corresponds to the right foot switch 32R of the home position 31a.

When the general-purpose controller 112 is used in the home-use game apparatus 3, each reference mark 203
F, 203B, 203L, and 203R are respectively associated with different operation members. As an example, the controller 1
In the case where the push button switches 112b are arranged in a cross in the up, down, left, and right directions on 12, the upper and lower push button switches are regarded as the front and rear foot switches 32F, 32B, and the left and right push button switches are regarded as the left and right foot switches 32L, 32R. The push button switch 112b can be associated with the reference mark 203.

Reference marks 203F, 203B, 203
Timing marks 20 are provided below L and 203R, respectively.
4F, 204B, 204L, and 204R (hereinafter, may be represented by reference numeral 204) are displayed. The timing mark 204 is indicated by the timing data D2 in FIG.
Is controlled in the following manner. The following description is for the arcade game device 2, but the same applies to the home game device 3. Marks 203, 204
Is displayed in advance on the CD-ROMs 6 and 7 as a part of the image data D3.

When the reproduction of the music is started, the CPU 51 sets a part of the timing data D2 (for example, corresponding to two bars of the music).
Is set as a display target range in the gauge 202, and the foot switches 32F, 32B, 32L,
The operation timing of each of the 32Rs is detected. Then, image data of the gauge 202 is created by replacing the detected timing with the timing mark 204. At this time, the reference marks 203F, 203B, 20
The corresponding timing mark 2 below 3L, 203R
The display position of the timing mark 204 is calculated so that 04F, 204B, 204L, and 204R are arranged in chronological order.

The created image data of the gauge 202 is
Background image 2 created based on image data D3 in FIG.
The data is passed to the GPU 54 together with the data of “01”. GPU5
4 draws on the frame buffer 55 a game screen 200 in which the given background image 201 and the image of the gauge 202 are combined, and outputs the drawn screen 200 to the monitor 14 at a predetermined timing for display.

The above processing is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. The beginning of the display target range is associated with the music playing position at the time of the processing, and the display target range is shifted from the beginning of the music to the end by a predetermined amount each time the processing is performed.
Thereby, the timing mark 20 is displayed on the gauge 202.
4 gradually moves upward as the music progresses. Then, when the timing mark 204 overlaps with the reference mark 203, the operation timing of the foot switch 32 associated with the reference mark 203 comes. Below the reference mark 203, the timing marks 204 corresponding to the operation timings arriving after the present are arranged in chronological order, so that the player can easily grasp future operations.

[0099] In the dance game performed on the game devices 2 and 3, one player can play one gauge 20.
Select either the 1P mode in which the player plays according to the instructions of the 2L or 202R, the 2P mode in which two players play in accordance with the instructions of the gauges 202L and 202R, or the double mode in which one player plays in accordance with the instructions of the gauges 202L and 202R. It is possible. The timing data D2 is for 1P mode for one song,
P mode and double mode are prepared respectively,
The display of the gauge 202 is controlled based on the timing data D2 corresponding to the mode selected by the player. 1
When the P mode is selected, the gauge 202L, 2
Only one of 02R is displayed, and the other is not displayed. For example, in the arcade game device 2, when the player selects the 1P mode for the left playing unit 31, the gauge 202R on the right side of the screen is not displayed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of the game processing executed in the arcade game device 2. When the player inserts a predetermined amount of coins into the coin insertion section 13, a game start signal is output from the coin discriminating device 66, and upon receiving the signal, the CPU 51 starts the processing in FIG. In the case of the home game apparatus 3, the controller 112
Is handled as a start signal.

In the process of FIG. 8, first, play conditions are set in accordance with an instruction from a player (step S1).
The setting of the play condition includes, for example, selection of 1P mode, 2P mode, double mode, selection of difficulty level, and selection of music. When the play conditions are set, each section of the game device 2 is instructed to start playing (step S2). As a result, the data of the selected music is passed from the CD-ROM reader 60 to the SPU 56 and its reproduction is started. At the same time, the CPU 51 starts drawing processing of the game screen 200, that is, the background image 201 and the gauge 202. Is done. Hereinafter, the drawing process is repeated until the game ends. To synchronize the screen display and the music playback, the device 2
May be provided with a time lag in the instruction to start play for each unit.

After the start of the play, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the present time is the evaluation time based on the current performance position and the timing data D2 (step S3). The evaluation time is set to a predetermined width before and after the operation timing defined in the timing data D3. For example, when the length of one beat of the music being played is X, a range of X / 2 is set as an evaluation time before and after the operation timing.
As an example, when the third beat of the Nth bar of the music being played is specified in the timing data D2 as the operation timing of the foot switch 32F, 1/2 of the third beat is added before and after the third beat.
A period having a width of each beat is set as an evaluation time of the foot switch 32F.

If it is determined in step S3 that it is the evaluation time, a process of detecting the operation of the foot switch 32 during the evaluation time is performed (step S4). And
An evaluation operation for evaluating the detected operation is executed (Step S5). An operation of the same foot switch 32 as the evaluation time determined in step S3 is detected, and the difference between the actual operation timing of the foot switch 32 and the operation timing defined by the timing data D2 is detected. The smaller the amount, the higher the value of the operation. For example, 100 when the shift amount is 0
0 when the point and deviation amount correspond to 1/2 of the width of the evaluation period
As a point, a score (score) according to the shift amount is calculated. If the operation of the foot switch 32 is not detected within the evaluation period or only the operation of a different foot switch 32 is detected, the evaluation becomes the lowest rank. When the evaluation times for the plurality of foot switches 32 overlap, the evaluation is performed for each foot switch 32 in parallel. The calculated evaluation is stored in the RAM 53. Also,
In the evaluation calculation, the total result from the start of the music performance is also calculated. The total score is calculated based on, for example, the sum of the scores recorded from the start of the performance to the present. When a score less than a certain level is calculated, the total result up to that point may be deducted by the amount corresponding to the score.

When the evaluation calculation is completed, information corresponding to the calculation result is displayed to the player (step S6).
In this case, the score may be displayed as it is on the screen 200, or a score between 100 points and 0 points may be classified into an appropriate number of ranks.
The rank to which the calculated score belongs is "GREAT",
It may be displayed on the screen 200 in place of a word such as “POOR”. The evaluation and its display are not limited to each operation timing, but may be performed at appropriate intervals (for example, one bar).

When the display of the evaluation is completed, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the play has ended (step S7). For example, it is determined that the play has ended when the end of one song or when the total score drops below a certain level. If it is determined in step S3 that it is not the evaluation time, the process of step S7 is also performed. If it is determined that the play has not ended, the process returns to step S3. On the other hand, when it is determined that the play has ended, comprehensive evaluation of the entire play is performed based on the evaluation result stored in the RAM 53 (step S8),
Information corresponding to the evaluation result is displayed for the player (step S9). As the comprehensive evaluation, for example, the sum total of the scores calculated in step S5 for each operation can be used. The overall rating may be varied taking into account the number of ratings of the highest or lowest rank.
When the display of the evaluation is completed, predetermined end processing (step S1)
After 0), the game processing for one song ends. If the above-mentioned total score is maintained at a certain level or more until the end of one song, the song is cleared and the game proceeds to the next song.

Next, the details of the cooperation between the game apparatuses 2 and 3 will be described. In the game system 1 of the present embodiment, the following are prepared as types of linkage. (1) When a specific condition is satisfied in the game of one game device, a hidden element (hidden song or hidden mode) is generated in the other game device. (2) As a hidden mode, an edit mode in which a player can edit timing data using the home game device 3 is prepared, and the timing data created in the edit mode is loaded into the arcade game device 2 and played. it can. (3) The game results (for example, high score) of the arcade game device 2 are stored in the memory card 4 and can be displayed on the monitor 109 of the home game device 3. (4) When a new song is added on the arcade game device 2,
Information related thereto is stored in the memory card 4 and can be displayed on the monitor 109 of the consumer game device 3. (5) An arbitrary message created by the arcade game device 2 is stored in the memory card 4 and can be displayed on the monitor 109 of the consumer game device 3.

Hereinafter, data, processing, and the like for realizing these linkages will be described.

FIG. 9 shows files recorded on the memory card 4 that are particularly related to the linkage between the game apparatuses 2 and 3. As is apparent from this figure, the memory card 4 records a system file F1 and an edit data file F2. Each file F1,
F2 consumes one block each of the storage area of the memory card 4. The system file F1 is divided into an AM area AR1 used as a writing area by the arcade game device 2 and a CS area AR2 used as a writing area by the consumer game device 3. The arcade game device 2 cannot write data into the CS area AR2, and the home game device 3 cannot write data into the AM area AR2.
Also, data cannot be written to 1. However, there is no such restriction on data reading, and each device 2,
3 can also refer to the data in the write area of the other party.

The AM area AR1 contains flag data D1.
1, high score data D12, additional music data D13 and message board data D14 are recorded, and flag data D21 and play result data D22 are recorded in the CS area AR2. As shown in FIG. 10, the flag data D11
Includes flags related to hidden songs X, Y, and Z, an edit mode flag, a high score flag, a message flag, and a specification change flag. The flags of the hidden songs X, Y, Z and the edit mode are set to "1" when predetermined conditions set in the arcade game device 2 in association with the respective flags are satisfied. The high score flag is set to "1" when the high score data D12 is written, and the message flag is set to "1" when the message board data D14 is written. The specification change flag is
Even if the specifications of the arcade game device 2 are not determined at the end of the development of the software for the consumer game device 3,
It is provided on the software of the home-use game device 3 to comply with the specification. For example, when it is undecided whether or not a specific mode is installed in the arcade game device 2 at the end of the development of the software of the consumer game device 3, the consumer game device 3 determines whether or not the mode is installed. Make it available. Then, when the memory card 4 is inserted into the arcade game device 2, the specification change flag is changed according to whether or not the specific mode is adopted, and the home game device 3 is changed according to the flag. Change the correspondence.

The high score data D12 is for referring to the high score recorded in the arcade game device 2 in the home game device 3, and as shown in FIG. It contains information about the total high score recorded by the player and the high score for each song. The total high score is calculated, for example, based on the total performance when a plurality of music pieces are continuously played. The additional music data D13 is for responding to a case where a new music is added in the arcade game device 2 after the development of the software for the home game device 3 is completed. As shown in FIG. Contains information about numbers and songs. The information on the number of additional songs also serves as flag information for determining whether or not there is an additional song. If the number of songs is "0", no additional song is found. Indicates that there is.

The message board data D14 corresponds to character information prepared in advance in the arcade game device 2 or character information input by an operator or the like of the arcade game device 2 using a character input function provided in the arcade game device 2. This is a sequence of character codes to be used. The character code used here conforms to the character code set used in the consumer game device 3.
Therefore, by reading the character code string written in the message board data D14 with the consumer game device 3, the character string written in the memory card 4 by the arcade game device 2 can be displayed on the monitor 109. As a result, it is possible to display a notice of an event such as an advertisement of a store or a game tournament to a player of the home-use game device 3 to differentiate the store from other stores and improve customer service.
Note that the song name of the additional song data D13 is also
It is created using a character code conforming to the character code set used in.

The input of characters by the arcade game device 2 is performed, for example, in the following procedure. First, a message input screen 210 as shown in FIG. 13A is displayed in response to a predetermined input start operation on the input device 68. The message input screen 210 is provided with a character selection window 211, a message input window 212, and a menu selection window 213, and each of the windows 211, 212, and 2 is operated according to the operation of the input device 68 and the foot switch 32.
13 can be switched as an input target. In the menu selection window 213, selection candidates to be displayed in the character selection window 211 can be selected from hiragana, katakana, alphanumeric, and fixed form, and the end of character input itself can also be selected. Character selection window 2
In 11, the character type selected in the menu selection window 213 is displayed. FIG. 13A shows an example in which hiragana is selected.

When the character selection window 211 is selected as an input object, a cursor 214 is displayed inside the window. The cursor 214 is moved between characters according to the operation of the input device 68 or the foot switch 32. When a predetermined determination operation is performed on the input device 68 or the like, the character surrounded by the cursor 214 is displayed as being selected at that point in time at the position indicated by the cursor 215 in the message window 212. By repeating this operation, a desired message can be created. When a fixed form is selected in the menu selection window 213, a plurality of fixed phrases prepared in advance are displayed in the character selection window 211 as shown in FIG. As the fixed phrase, for example, a character string that is expected to be frequently input by the operator of the game apparatus 2, such as “game”, “event”, “bout”, “bout”, is prepared in advance. The fixed phrase is selected in the selection window 211 by operating the input device 68 or the foot switch 32.
It can be scrolled up and down within. When the decision operation is performed, a fixed phrase surrounded by the cursor 214 is displayed in the message input window 212. By preparing a fixed phrase in this way, labor for inputting each word can be saved, and the labor required for creating a message can be reduced.

Note that the message input screen 210 and the above input method are merely examples. The method of character input may be variously changed. For example, communication is performed with a character string input device, typically a personal computer, using the infrared communication unit 21, and a character string created on the personal computer is taken into the RAM 53 of the arcade game device 2 and May be converted to data conforming to the character code of the game device 3 for use, and the converted data may be written to the memory card 4.

The high score data D12,
Both the additional music data D13 and the message board data D14 are created by the game device 2 and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 53. When writing these data to the memory card 4, it is first required to confirm whether or not to allow the player to write, and the writing is executed only when the writing is permitted. A specific example regarding the writing procedure will be described later.

The flag data D21 of the CS area AR2 shown in FIG.
This is a set of flags for determining whether or not the appearance of Y, Z, and the hidden mode is permitted. Further, the play result data D22 includes information on a play result in the home game apparatus 3, for example, a high score, a play condition when the high score is issued, a play count, and the like.

Next, the details of the edit data file F2 will be described with reference to FIGS. The edit data file F2 is created in the edit mode prepared as one of the hidden elements in the consumer game device 3. This edit data file F2
Is loaded on each of the game devices 2 and 3, the same gauge 202 can be displayed on the monitors 14 and 109 when playing the same music on each of the devices 2 and 3. The same playing environment is obtained.

FIG. 14 shows the structure of the edit data file F2. As is apparent from this figure, the edit data file F2 includes a set of data information D31 and edit data D32. Data information D
Reference numeral 31 includes information for specifying the music corresponding to the edit data D32 and the player mode (one of 1P, 2P, and double mode).

FIG. 15 shows details of the edit data D32. As is apparent from this figure, the edit data D32 includes an edit name D41, type data D42, link data information D43, and link timing data D45. Edit name D
Reference numeral 41 denotes data corresponding to a character string input as a file name by the player who created the edit data D32, and has a size of, for example, 8 bytes in ASCII code.

The type data D42 includes information on the resolution of the timing data D45 and the timing data D4.
5 includes information for determining whether there is a portion defined to operate three or more operation members at the same time. The resolution of the timing data D45 is
One beat in the timing data D45 is the data D4
5 is a value indicating the length of one bar of the musical piece associated with No. 5. However, edit data D3
In the case of 2, the resolution is fixed at 16 beats per bar. That is, the minimum unit of the timing data D45 corresponds to a sixteenth note of the music.

FIG. 16A shows an example of the timing data D45. The timing data D45 is binary data in which one beat has a size of one byte. Since the resolution of the timing data D45 is 16 beats per bar as described above, a set of continuous 16 bytes forms a data block corresponding to one bar. Each bit of the 1-byte data is associated with one of the reference marks 203F, 203B, 203L, 203R of the gauge 202L, 202R. Data "0" of each bit means that it is not the operation timing, and data "1" means that it is the operation timing. In the edit mode, the value of each bit of the timing data D45 is set according to an instruction from the player. Details of the edit mode will be described later.

Here, the lower 4 bits in FIG. 16A correspond to the gauge 202R on the right side of the game screen 200, and the upper 4 bits correspond to the gauge 202L on the left side of the game screen 200. Is the reference mark 203
In R, the second and sixth bits are the reference mark 203F
The third and seventh bits are used as the reference mark 203B,
It is assumed that the fourth and eighth bits respectively correspond to the reference mark 203L. 16A. When the upper end of the data in FIG. 16A is set at the top and all data “1” included in a certain range below the data are replaced with the timing mark 204 and plotted on the gauges 202L and 202R, FIG.
(B).

Although the resolution of the edit data D45 is set to 16 beats per bar as described above, when this is used in the devices 2 and 3, it is not limited to 16 beats but is treated as data of 8 beats or 4 beats. You can also. For example, FIG.
If the data of FIG. 6A is thinned out and read one byte at a time, the edit data D45 can be handled as data of eight beats per bar. The number of beats to be treated as the edit data D45 is specified in an edit mode described later, and information for specifying the specification is recorded in the link data information D43 in FIG. By referring to this information, the game apparatuses 2 and 3 can correctly determine how many beats of the edit data D45 should be treated as data.

In the data of FIG. 16A, three data "1" are included in the lower 4 bits of the data of the sixth beat (A in the figure) counted from the top, and FIG. In the corresponding part of the gauge 202R shown in FIG.
4 are lined up. As long as the foot switch 32 is operated with the foot, it is difficult for the player to deal with such a place where three or more timing marks 204 are arranged in a line. Therefore, information for determining the presence or absence of such a portion is shown in FIG.
5 is included in the type data D42.

Next, a process for performing coordination using the above data will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
7 and 18 show processing in the arcade game device 2, and FIGS. 19 and 21 show processing in the home game device 3.

FIG. 17 shows an example of processing for loading the link timing data D45 on the memory card 4 into the arcade game device 2 and playing it. This processing is executed by, for example, the CPU 51 as the play condition setting processing in step S1 of FIG. First, step S
At 101, it is determined whether or not the memory card 4 is inserted into the card slot 20. If it is inserted, the data inside it is searched (step S102),
It is determined whether or not the edit data file F2 exists (step S103). If written, the player is asked to confirm whether or not to enter the file F2 into the game device 2 (step S104). At this stage, a data entry item may be provided as one of the many choices presented on the monitor 109, or the user is prompted to select on the monitor 109 whether to enter data or use existing data. You may.

When the player permits data entry, the edit data file F
2 is loaded into a predetermined area of the RAM 53 (step S
105). Then, the loaded data is converted into data having the same format as the timing data D2 in FIG. 6 (step S106). Thus, entry of the edit file data F2 from the memory card 4 to the arcade game device 2 is completed. The processing of step S106 is performed because the data format on the memory card 4 and the format of the timing data D2 handled by the arcade game device 2 are different, and the edit data file F2 is directly transmitted to the arcade game device 2. If they can be used, they can be omitted.

After the data conversion, the process proceeds to step S107,
Play conditions are set based on the entered timing data D2. Thereby, the edit data D
32 (FIG. 14) is automatically selected, and after starting the game, the gauge 202 associated with the timing data D45 is displayed on the monitor 14. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the memory card 4 does not exist, if it is determined in step S103 that the edit data file F2 does not exist, or if the entry is rejected in step S104, step S1 is performed.
The process proceeds to 08. In this case, the game device 2
A specific play condition is set according to a player's instruction from among the play conditions prepared in advance. After the processing in step S107 or S108, step S2 in FIG.
The processing proceeds to.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a process of writing data from the arcade game device 2 to the memory card 4. This processing is executed by the CPU 51 as a part of the end processing of step S10 in FIG. 8 only when the memory card 4 is inserted into the card slot 20. However, if the progress to the next music is permitted at the time of step S10, the process is not performed, and if the last music is completed or the progress to the next music is not permitted, the processing is completely stopped. When the game ends, the processing in FIG. 18 is performed.

In the first step S151, it is determined with reference to the play result at the end of the game whether or not the condition for generating a hidden element has been satisfied. For example, if the score is equal to or higher than a certain score, if a specific task song is given a rating equal to or higher than a predetermined level, or if the number of cleared songs reaches a predetermined number, it is determined that the occurrence condition is satisfied. Is done. The generation condition may be changed for each hidden element.

If the occurrence condition is satisfied, "1" is set to the flag of the hidden element in the flag data D11 corresponding to the satisfied occurrence condition (step S15).
2). Then, the process proceeds to step S153.
If the occurrence condition is not satisfied, step S152 is omitted. In step S153, the player is asked to confirm whether or not to save (save) the high score data D12 recorded in the RAM 53 in the memory card 4 (step S153). Note that the high score data D12 here relates to the high score recorded as a result of playing on the arcade game device 2 by the player who inserted the memory card 4 into the card slot 20. Fig. 18 when rejection of high score data storage
Is terminated.

When the player requests storage of the high score data D12, the additional music data D13 is stored in the memory card 4.
Or, the information to be written as message board data D14 is R
It is determined whether it exists in the AM 53 (step S1).
54). If the information exists, the process proceeds to step S155; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S156. In steps S155 and S156, the writing of the high score data D12 to the memory card 4 is executed. In particular, in step S155, writing of information corresponding to the additional music data D13 or the message board data 14 is also executed. When the writing of the data D12 to D14 is executed in steps S155 and S156, "1" is set to the corresponding flag in the data flag D11. When the data writing is completed, the processing in FIG. 18 ends.

FIG. 19 shows a display control procedure of a menu screen executed by CPU 101 at the start of a game in home game device 3, and FIG. 20 shows an example of a menu screen displayed on monitor 109 in accordance with the processing. I have.

On the menu screen 220 shown in FIG. 20, "ARCADAE MODEGAME" and "ARRANGE
MODE GAME "," TRAINING "," RECORDS "," OPTIO
Seven modes of "N", "EDIT" and "INFORMATION" are displayed. The player can operate the controller 112 to select an arbitrary mode from the menu screen 220, and the CPU 101 of the game device 3 executes a process according to the selected mode.

“ARCADAE MODE GAME” or “ARRANGE
When "MODE GAME" is selected, the game is started in a procedure according to each mode. If "TRAINING" is selected, the game starts in practice mode.
When “RECORDS” is selected, a play result such as a high score recorded by the player in the past is displayed on the monitor 109. At this time, the flag data D of the memory card 4
At 11, CPU 110 determines whether or not a flag indicating the presence of high score data D12 is set to "1". When "1" is set, the record of high score data D12 is also displayed on monitor 109. Is done. Thereby, the player can refer to not only the high score recorded by the home game apparatus 3 but also the high score recorded by the arcade game apparatus 2. When the number of additional songs in the additional song data D13 is other than “0”, information of the added song (eg, song name) can be displayed on the monitor 109 when “RECORDS” is selected.

When “OPTION” is selected, the reference mark 203 for each operation member of the controller 112 is set.
A play environment such as allocation of F, 203B, 203L, and 203R (so-called key configuration) can be set according to an instruction from the player. When "EDIT" is selected, edit mode starts and "INFORMATIO
When "N" is selected, the information written in the message board data D14 is displayed on the monitor 109. Additional song data D13
The information written as may be displayed here. The menu screen 220 displays “EDIT” and “INFORMATIO
Whether "N" appears depends on the state of the flag data D11 described above. The processing in FIG.
And is executed to switch the display of “INFORMATION”.

In the process of FIG. 19, it is first determined whether or not the memory card 4 has been inserted into the card slot (step S201). If not, the process proceeds to step S206, and the basic menu is displayed on the monitor 109. The basic menu is displayed on screen 22 in FIG.
0 is the one in which “EDIT” and “INFORMATION” are omitted. In this case, "EDIT" and "INFORMATIO
Players cannot select any of the N modes.

If the memory card 4 is inserted in step S201, the flag data D11 is determined in step S202. And the edit flag is "
It is determined whether or not the edit mode is permitted based on whether it is 1 "(step S203). If not, the process proceeds to step S204, and if permitted, the process proceeds to step S205.
At S205, it is determined whether the message flag is set to "1". Step S204,
If the message flag is determined to be "0" in S205, the process proceeds to step S206 or S208. If it is determined that the message flag is "1", the process proceeds to step S207 or S209. In step S207, "INFORMAT
ION "is added to the menu screen, and step S
At 208, a menu screen in which “EDIT” is added to the above-described basic menu is displayed. Then, step S209
Displays a menu screen 220 of FIG. 20 in which “EDIT” and “INFORMATION” are added to the basic menu. When one of the menu screens in steps S206 to S209 is displayed, a process corresponding to the item selected from the menu is executed. Therefore, when the menu screen is displayed in step S207, the edit mode cannot be selected, and when the menu is displayed in step S208, there is no message board message.

On the above-mentioned menu screen, select “ARCADAE MOD
E GAME "," ARRANGE MODE GAME "or" TRAININ
When "G" is selected, play is started in accordance with the procedure of FIG. 8 described above. In this case, the play condition of step S1 is set according to the procedure of FIG. This process
In short, the selection is changed according to the hidden music flag and the edit data file F2 included in the flag data D11 of FIG.

In the processing shown in FIG. 21, first, in step S251,
It is determined whether or not the player has performed an operation on the controller 112 to call the edit data file F2 at. If there is a call operation, play conditions are set so that game play is performed according to the timing data D45 of the edit data file F2 (step S259). In this case, the player plays the game based on the timing data created by himself.

If the edit data file F2 is not called in step S251, the controller 11
The player type (1P, 2P)
P or any of the double modes) is performed (step S252), and subsequently, a process of selecting a difficulty level in accordance with an operation on the controller 112 is performed (step S253). When the difficulty level is selected, the hidden songs X, Y,
It is determined whether "1" is set in the flag of Z,
If both are "0", only basic songs that do not include hidden songs are displayed on the monitor 109 as selection candidates (step S).
255). On the other hand, if "1" is set in the flag of any of the hidden songs, a song including the hidden song corresponding to the flag and the above-mentioned basic song is selected as a selection candidate by the monitor 109.
It is displayed above (step S256).

In the next step S257, step S2
It is determined whether or not the player has selected a song from the selection candidates displayed in 55 or S256. When a song is selected, play conditions are set according to the player type, the difficulty level, and the result of the song selection (step S25).
8). When the play conditions are set in step S258 or step S259, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

According to the above processing, when "1" is set to the flag of the hidden song by the arcade game device 2, the number of songs that can be selected on the home game device 3 correspondingly increases. Become.

It is not always necessary to determine whether or not a hidden song or a hidden mode should appear, depending only on the flag data D11 in the AM area AR1 of the memory card 4. In the flag data D21 recorded in the CS area AR2 of the memory card 4, a flag related to the appearance of a hidden song or a hidden mode is set, and when the play result in the home game apparatus 3 satisfies a predetermined condition. These flags may be rewritten, and thereafter, the appearance of the hidden element may be permitted even if the flag data D11 of the AM area AR1 is "0". For example, the edit mode may appear when the number of games played by the home game apparatus 3 exceeds a certain number. Flag data D11 and D21
When each of the states constitutes a specific combination, another hidden element may appear. As described above, the condition for causing the hidden element to appear may be freely set in the home game device 3. In the arcade game device 2,
Just set the flag as specified in advance,
It is not necessary to know on the software of the arcade game device 2 how the hidden element is switched on the home game device 3 side based on the flag. Therefore, even if the progress of the software development of the game devices 2 and 3 is shifted, the restriction that occurs in relation to the data linkage is small.

In the processing shown in FIG. 21, the game can be played on the home game device 3 based on the edit data file F2. However, the play using the edit data file F2 can be performed only on the arcade game device 2. May be limited. In the consumer game device 3, the edit data fill F2 may be usable only in the "TRAINING" mode.

Next, the edit mode will be described.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the procedure of an edit process executed by the CPU 101 when the edit mode is selected in the home-use game device 3. FIGS. It is an example.

“EDIT” from the menu screen 220 of FIG.
Is selected, the monitor 109 displays an editing screen 230 shown in FIG. The editing screen 230 includes an edit window 231 and a command selection window 232. The windows 231 and 232 are alternatively selected as input targets according to the operation of the controller 112.

In the command selection window 232, "NEW DATA" and "MEMORY CAR" are displayed as selectable commands.
“D”, “PLAYER”, “TEST PLAY”, “GUIDE” and “EXIT” are prepared, and these are
2 is alternatively selected by a predetermined operation on the second. "NE
`` W DATA '' starts editing of new edit data, `` M
EMORY CARD is used for operations on memory card 4,
"YER" corresponds to the selection of the player type, "TEST PLAY" corresponds to the reproduction of the edit data being edited, "GUIDE" corresponds to calling of the guidance of the editing operation, and "EXIT" corresponds to the end of the editing operation.

In the command selection window 232, "NEW
When "DATA" is selected, the edit processing shown in FIG. 22 is started. In this process, first, a target tune for creating the edit data file F2 is selected (step S301). At this time, a menu for selecting the target music is displayed instead of the editing screen 230 or overlapped. The target music is switched in accordance with a player's instruction given via the controller 112, and when a predetermined determination operation is performed, the music selected at that time is determined as the target music.

In the next step S302, processing for selecting a player type in accordance with an instruction from the player is performed. Once a song and player type have been selected, a CD-
The player is asked to confirm whether or not to load the existing timing data D2 prepared on the ROM 7 into the RAM 103 (step S303). When the player instructs to use existing data, the instructed data is loaded into the RAM 103 in step S304.
Then, as shown in FIG. 24, the timing mark 204 corresponding to the operation timing included in the predetermined range of the loaded data is displayed on the edit window 231 (step S306). In this case, the player edits the operation timing specified by the existing timing data D2 as desired. The selected song name is displayed at the upper end of the edit window 231.

If the loading of existing data is not instructed in step S305, the process proceeds to step S305, in which the number of beats per bar is set according to the instruction from the player. The number of beats set here is 1
This specifies how many beats of data are created per bar. Although the resolution of the edit data D45 is set to 16 beats per bar as described above, the use is not limited to 16 beats, but 8 beats or 4 beats can be selected. This is as described above. After the process in step S305, the process proceeds to step S306. In this case, since no operation timing has been defined yet, the edit window 231 remains in a state where the timing mark 204 does not exist as shown in FIG.

In the next step S307, the operation of editing the timing data D45 of FIG. 16A is performed according to the operation on the controller 112. This work
When the player operates the controller 112 to scroll the image in the edit window 231 up and down, the cursor 23 in the edit window 231 is displayed.
1a is changed, and when the cursor 231a comes to a desired position, one of the operation members corresponding to the marks 204F, 204B, 204L, 204R on the controller 112 is operated to change the editing position. Is performed in such a manner that the addition or deletion of the timing mark 204 is instructed. When the addition of the timing mark 204 is instructed, the bit corresponding to the addition position of the timing data D45 is rewritten to “1”, and when the deletion of the timing mark 204 is instructed, the corresponding bit is rewritten to “0”. Can be The timing data 204 at this time is stored in a predetermined work area of the RAM 103. The relationship between the scroll direction of the image of the timing mark 204 in the edit window 231 and the front and back of the music is such that the more the image is scrolled, the more the editing position on the cursor 231a is shifted to the rear of the music. This point coincides with the operation of the timing mark 204 on the gauge 202.

The editing position indicated by the cursor 231a is changed by the predetermined scroll operation on the controller 112 as described above. At this time, the minimum movement unit is the number of beats specified by the data loaded in step S304, or the number of steps. It differs depending on the number of beats specified in S305. That is, when 16 beats are specified, the position indicated by the cursor 231a is 1/16 of one bar.
Move by one. Cursor 2 when 8 beats are specified
The position indicated by 31a moves by 1/8 of a measure, and
When a beat is designated, the position indicated by the cursor 231a moves by 1/4 of a bar. As a result, 16
When a beat is specified, all bits of the timing data D45 can be edited. When eight beats are specified, an editable area and a non-editable area alternate in the timing data D45 one byte at a time. Occurs. Further, when four beats are designated, a one-byte editable area and a three-byte non-editable area are alternately repeated. Which beat number is currently specified can be visually grasped. As an example, when the screen shown in FIG. 24 is actually a color screen, the display color of the cursor 231a is changed according to the designated number of beats.

In the editing operation, a jump operation for changing the data display range in the window 231 by an integral multiple of the minimum movement unit (for example, one bar) can be performed. When the editing of the data for the 2P mode or the double mode is selected, the timing mark 204 is displayed on both the 1P side (left side) and the 2P side (right side) of the edit window 231 as shown in FIG. In this case, one of the 1P side and the 2P side is alternatively selected as the object to be edited.

In the edit mode, area operations can be performed to facilitate the editing operation.
The area operation is performed using the timing mark 2 included in the predetermined range.
04 are collectively selected, and the marks 204 included in the selected range can be collectively erased, copied, and moved. The area operation is performed, for example, in the following manner.

First, when the player performs a predetermined area selection operation on the controller 112, an area selection mark 233 is displayed at the editing position of the edit window 231 in response thereto. Next, when the player changes the editing position and then performs the same area selection operation again, a second area selection mark 233 is displayed at the editing position at that time. The portion sandwiched between the pair of marks 233 is selected as the target range 234 of the area operation, and the range 234 is displayed in a manner different from other portions by changing a display color or the like. In this state, the controller 112
When a predetermined menu calling operation is performed on the area, an area selection menu 23 is displayed in the edit window 231.
5 is displayed. In the menu 235, "copy", "paste", "cutout", and "delete" are displayed as processes that can be performed by the area operation. When "cancel" is selected, the area operation is stopped. The menu 235 is closed by terminating or canceling the area operation.

When the player operates the controller 112 and selects “copy” or “crop” from the menu 235, the data corresponding to the arrangement of the timing marks 204 included in the target range 234 is stored in the RAM 103 in a predetermined cut. Recorded in the buffer. If “Crop” or “Delete” is selected, target area 2
The timing marks 204 displayed at 34 are erased collectively. When "paste" is selected, the timing mark 204 corresponding to the data recorded in the cut buffer at that time is pasted in an area above the editing position on the cursor 231a. This operation is performed on the area 2 that was previously targeted for "copy" or "crop".
The operation corresponds to an operation of copying or moving the timing mark 204 in 34 to the editing position.

When the editing operation is completed, the process proceeds to step S308. In step S308, in the created timing data D45, it is specified that three or more operation marks are arranged at the same position on the same gauge 202, that is, three or more operation members are operated at the same time. It is determined whether or not there is a part (see the part A in FIG. 16A). If such a portion exists, a predetermined message is displayed on the monitor 109 (step S309), and it is determined whether or not the player has selected reediting (step S310). When reediting is selected, the process returns to step S307.

On the other hand, if reediting is not selected, the process proceeds to step S311. When a negative determination is made in step S308, the process proceeds to step S311. In step S311, a predetermined name input screen 2
40 (see FIG. 25) is displayed on the monitor 109, and a process for prompting the player to input an edit name is performed.
The input of the name can be performed in the same manner as the input of the character string of a general game, and the details are omitted.

When the input of the name is completed, the player confirms whether or not to save the created data in the memory card 4 (step S312), and when the saving is selected, the data saving to the memory card 4 is executed. (Step S
313). If the data determined to be affirmative in step S308 is stored, the information is written to the link data information D43 in FIG. Step S301
1 and information for discriminating the player type selected in step S302, respectively.
4 is recorded together with the memory card 4 as the data information D31. The editing process ends when data saving is completed. If saving is not selected in step S312, the editing process ends without saving to the memory card 4.

Note that saving to the memory card 4 is possible even during editing. When the player selects “MEMORY CARD” in the command selection window 232 of FIG. 24,
As shown in the window 236 of FIG.
"LOAD", "RENAME" and "EDIT MENU" are displayed, and if "SAVE" is selected, saving is performed even during editing. If "LOAD" is selected, existing edit data can be selectively loaded and re-edited.

From the window 232 in FIG.
When the “AY” mode is selected, the timing mark 204 displayed in the edit window 231 is scrolled upward from the bottom based on the edit data being edited as described above, and the mark 20 based on the data being edited is displayed.
4 can be visually confirmed by the player. If the timing mark 204 can be added or deleted according to an operation from the controller 112 during the scrolling, the editing workability is further improved.

Next, a specific example of the edit processing will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 26 shows a plan view (a) and a front view (b) of a general-purpose controller used in the consumer game device 3. The controller 112A has a main body MB that can be held, and four push button switches PB1 to PB8 are provided on the right and left sides of the upper surface of the main body MB, respectively. The left push button switches PB1 to PB4 each function as a so-called direction instruction key for instructing up, down, left, and right directions. Although the push button switches PB1 to PB4 are independent from each other in FIG. 26, a single operation switch operable in any direction may be used instead. Two push button switches PB9 to PB12 are provided on each of the left and right sides of the front surface of the main body MB.

Appropriate markers are provided on or around the push button switches PB5 to PB12 to visually distinguish each push button switch. In the illustrated example, symbols of ○, Δ, □, and × are displayed on the push button switches PB5 to PB8, respectively. Number 1 on push button switch PB9,11
However, the numeral 2 is displayed on the push button switches PB10 and PB12, and the character L is displayed above the push button switch PB9.
A letter R is displayed above the push button switch PB11. As a result, the switch PB5 is a button, the switch PB6 is a button, the switch PB7 is a button, the switch PB8 is a button, the switch PB9 is an L1 button, the switch PB10 is an L2 button, and the switch PB11.
Is called an R1 button, and the switch PB12 is called an R2 button. Further, push button switches PB13 and PB14 are provided at the center of the upper surface of the main body MB. The push button switch PB13 functions as a select button, and the push button switch PB14 functions as a start button.

FIG. 27 shows each of the push-button switches PB1 to PB1 when the editing process is performed using the controller 112A.
The correspondence between the PBs 12 and the operations assigned to them is shown. FIG. 28 shows a procedure for performing an editing operation using the controller 112A. Note that the processing in FIG. 28 is performed after “NEW DATA” is selected from the items in the command selection window 232, the target music for which the edit data D45 is created, and the number of beats (resolution) are selected (see FIG. 28). Step S301 of 22
To S306) or from the window 232, “MEMORY
This process is executed after a command is selected in the order of “CARD” → “LOAD” and data for creating the edit data D45 is loaded into a predetermined work area of the RAM 103.
More specifically, the processing is executed when the 1P or 2P area of the edit window 231 is selected as a target area for editing work.

The outline of the processing in FIG. 28 is as follows. The player operates the controller 112A to arrange the timing mark 204, scroll the area, arrange the area mark 233, call the area selection menu 235, change the position information, or change the operation target. It is sequentially determined whether or not a switching operation has been performed (steps S351 to S356), and when any operation has been performed, processing corresponding to that operation is executed (steps S360 to S371). Note that, as is clear from FIG.
The arrangement operation of 4 is an operation of the △ button PB5, the X button PB6, the □ button PB7 or the ボ タ ン button PB8, and the scroll operation is an operation of the up key PB1 or the down key PB2 (including simultaneous operation with the R1 button PB11). ),
The layout operation of the area mark 233 is performed by the operation of the L2 button PB10, the operation of calling the area selection menu 235 is performed by the operation of the start button PB14, the operation of changing the position information is performed by the operation of the select button PB13, and the operation target switching operation is performed by the left and right keys PB3 and PB4 Each corresponds to an operation. The processing corresponding to each operation is as follows.

If it is determined in step S351 that the timing mark arrangement operation has been performed, the timing mark 204 corresponding to any of the operated push button switches PB5 to PB8 is indicated by the cursor 231a in the edit window 231. (Step S360). However, when the same mark 204 has already been placed at the position designated by the cursor 231a, the mark 204 is deleted. For example, when the △ button PB5 is pressed down in a state where the 1P side of the edit window 231 is selected as a target of editing work, the upward pointing arrow mark 204F (see FIG. 7) is indicated by the cursor 231a. Displayed at the location. If the mark 204F is already displayed at that position, the mark 204F is deleted (erased). Note that cursor 2
31a is displayed at the left end of one of the 1P side and 2P side areas of the window 231 which is selected as the work target area.

When the mark 204 is placed or deleted,
In response, the value of the corresponding bit of the edit data D45 is updated (step S361). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S352.

If it is determined in step S352 that the scroll operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S362, and the screen displayed in the edit window 231 according to which of the up / down direction keys PB1 and PB2 has been pressed. Scrolls up or down. When the up key PB1 is pressed, the cursor 231a moves toward the beginning of the music, and when the down key PB2 is pressed, the cursor 231a moves toward the end of the music. The screen is scrolled downward for the operation of the up key PB1, and upward for the operation of the down key PB2. The unit of the scroll at this time changes according to the number of beats per bar set for the edit data D45 being edited. That is, when 16 beats are selected, the screen is scrolled by 1/16 bar, when 8 beats are selected, the screen is scrolled by 1/8 bar, and when 4 beats are selected, 1 scroll is performed. The screen is scrolled by / 4 bars. When the up key PB1 or the down key PB2 and the R1 button PB11 are operated at the same time, the scroll unit becomes large. For example, the screen is scrolled one measure at a time.

In the following step S363, it is determined whether or not the scroll operation has been completed. If not, the flow returns to step S362 to continue scrolling. If it has been completed, scrolling is stopped and step S353 is performed.
The processing proceeds to.

If it is determined in step S353 that the area mark arrangement operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S364, at which point the area mark 233 is displayed at the position indicated by the cursor 231a. When the area mark 233 is already displayed, the area mark 233 is deleted (erased). Subsequently, the position of the area mark 233 is stored in the RAM 103 in association with the position of the music (eg, what bar and what beat) (step S
365) Then, the process proceeds to step S354.

In step S354, area selection menu 2
If it is determined that the call operation of Step 35 has been performed, the process proceeds to Step S366, and the area selection menu 235 shown in FIG. 24 is displayed. Subsequently, a process of receiving the selection of the command displayed in the area selection menu 235 and a process of executing the selected command are performed (steps S367, S368). The commands that can be selected from the menu 235 and the contents of the processing corresponding to each command are as described above. If the area mark 233 is not set at two places, the range of “copy”, “crop” or “delete” cannot be specified. In this case, the commands of “copy”, “crop” and “delete” are not selectable, and those commands are displayed in a lighter color than other commands or are not displayed. When the process in step S368 ends, the process proceeds to step S355.

If it is determined in step S355 that the position information change operation has been performed, processing for switching the measure number or time displayed in the edit window 231 is performed (step S369). That is, FIG.
24, and as shown in FIG.
31 is provided with an information display unit 237 so as to be sandwiched between regions corresponding to the 1P side and the 2P side,
The bar numbers “01”, “02”, “03”... Are displayed there. When the player operates the select button PB13, the measure number is changed to the elapsed time from the beginning of the music. Conversely, if the player operates the select button PB13 while the time is displayed on the information display section 237, the time is changed to the bar number. Thereby, the player can grasp the position in the music by either the measure number or the elapsed time according to the preference. When the process in step S369 ends, the process proceeds to step S356.

When it is determined in step S356 that the operation target switching operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S370. In step S370, switching of the work target from the 1P side of the edit window 231 to the 2P side,
Alternatively, it is determined whether or not the opposite switching has been instructed. For example, in a state where the 1P side is selected as the current editing target, the player presses the right arrow key PB4 for one.
When the rotation is pressed down, it is determined that the switching of the work target to the 2P side is instructed. Conversely, when the player presses down the left direction key PB3 once while the 2P side is selected as the target of the current editing operation, the command selection window 2 is displayed from the edit window 231.
32 is determined to have been instructed.

Then, switching from the 1P side to the 2P side,
Alternatively, if it is determined that the switching is the opposite, the work target area is switched from the 1P side to the 2P side or vice versa (step S371), and thereafter, the process returns to step S351. On the other hand, if step S370 is denied, it is determined that the work target is to be switched from the edit window 231 to the command selection menu 231 and the processing in FIG.
2 associated with each selection item, for example, RAM1
For example, processing for saving the edit data D45 on the memory card 4 in the memory card 4 is performed. Command selection window 2
When the work target is changed from 32 to the edit window 231 again, the processing in FIG. 28 is restarted.

FIG. 29 shows a command selection window 232.
4 shows the procedure of the test play process executed by the CPU 101 when “TEST PLAY” is selected. In addition,
This processing can be executed only when the timing mark 204 is displayed in the edit window 231, that is, when there is the timing data D <b> 45 being edited in the work area of the RAM 103 when performing the editing work.

In the process of FIG. 29, the player is first asked to confirm whether or not to set the timing mark 204 during play, for example, through the message window 238 shown in FIG. 30 (step S401). The “arrow object” means the timing mark 204. Then, when the setting of the timing mark 204 is requested, information (for example, a 1-bit flag) indicating the setting permission is written in the RAM 103 in step S402. In the following step S403, the display of the mark 204 in the window 231 is updated so that the current play position (see FIG. 31) indicated by the cursor 231a in the edit window 231 matches the start position of the test play. The start position is the command selection window 232
This is the position corresponding to the measure number (“01” in FIG. 24) displayed in the “START” part of “TEST PLAY”. The bar number (“11” in FIG. 24) displayed in the “END” portion corresponds to the end position of the test play. The start position and the end position can be freely changed by the player by an appropriate operation on the controller 112A. However, the change may be made at any time before the processing in FIG. 29 is started, or the processing in FIG. 29 may be provided with a step of setting a start position and an end position.

In the following step S404, a test play is started. That is, scrolling toward the end position of the screen displayed in the edit window 231 is started, and the song corresponding to the edit data D45 is reproduced from the position corresponding to the start position in synchronization with the start of the scroll. . The scroll speed may be set to be slower or faster than the tempo of the music. In this case, since the progress of the music and the scroll are not synchronized, the reproduction of the music is omitted.

After the start of the test play, step S405
It is determined whether or not the player has performed the operation of inputting the mark 204, that is, whether or not the player has performed the timing mark arrangement operation in the processing of FIG. 28 described above. If it is determined that the operation has been performed, it is determined whether setting of the timing mark 204 is permitted (step S).
406). If the operation is permitted, the timing mark 204 corresponding to the operation is displayed in the edit window 23.
1 (step S407), and the edit data D45 is updated according to the arrangement (step S4).
08). Note that the timing mark 204 on the 1P side of the edit window 231 can be set only by the controller 112A connected to the CPU 101 for the 1P, and the timing mark 204 on the 2P side is
112A connected to 2P for
Can only be set with. For example, the △ button PB5 of the controller 112A connected to the player for 1P
Is pressed, the edit window 23
A timing mark 204F indicating an upward arrow is added at a position corresponding to the operation time on the 1P side of 1, and the bit of the timing data D45 corresponding to the added timing mark 204F is changed to “1”. When the placement operation is performed while overlapping the position where the timing mark 204 is already placed, the timing mark 204 is not erased, unlike the processing of FIG.

When the processing in step S408 is completed,
Alternatively, when a negative determination is made in step S405 or step S406, the process proceeds to step S409. In step S409, it is determined whether a test play interruption operation has been performed. The interruption operation corresponds to, for example, an operation of pressing down the start button PB14. If there is no interruption operation, it is determined whether or not scrolling has been performed until the predetermined position in the window 231 matches the end position of the test play (step S410). If not, the process proceeds to step S405. Will be returned. If step S409 or S410 is affirmatively determined, step S
The process proceeds to 411, and scrolling of the screen in the window 231 is stopped. Thus, the test play ends.

As described above, if the edit data D45 can be edited even during the test play, the player can add the mark 204 to a desired position while checking the data edited by himself. Can be done In the above example, the mark 204 during the test play is displayed.
Although only the addition of the file is permitted, the file may be deleted.

In the game system 1 of the above-described embodiment, the following additions and changes are possible.

When the play result of the home game apparatus 3 satisfies a predetermined condition, the flag of the hidden element of the flag data D21 is rewritten, and the commercial game apparatus 2 discriminates the flag and appears a hidden song or a hidden mode. It can also be done. However, it is not appropriate for the arcade game device 2 to cause an edit mode that takes a long time. Therefore, as the hidden mode in the arcade game device 2, it is preferable to prepare a mode in which the play content itself is changed differently from normal, such as a mode in which the difficulty level is particularly increased. Of course, these hidden elements may be added to the home game apparatus 3 as well.

When the player clears a specific mode prepared in the arcade game device 2, a "password" is displayed on the screen, and the notification of the password competes for a high score ranking on a specific homepage on the Internet with the qualification of participation. Although the event is actually being performed, the password or the high score may be written to the memory card 4 as the message board data D14. This eliminates the need for the player to copy the password displayed on the screen to a notebook or the like.

The timing data entered by a player may be stored in the RAM 53 so that another player can select it. In this case, the number of times the entered timing data is selected by the arcade game device 2 may be recorded, and a popularity ranking of the timing data may be created and disclosed depending on the number of times.

When the edit mode is executed on the home-use game apparatus 3, information regarding the player (for example, name and initials) is also input, and when the edit data is entered into the arcade game apparatus 2, the information is also input to the arcade game. The data may be read into the device 2. The read information can be used for managing data such as a play history for each player. When another person plays the edit data, the edit data can be disclosed as creator information of the data. In addition,
The PDA 5 may have a different identification number (ID) for each device. In this case, the ID unique to the PDA 5 can be read by the arcade game device 2 to help data management. The method of data management is arbitrary, but as an example, the arcade game device 2 reads the ID of the PDA 5 and records its history, and the same arcade ID is read many times in the same arcade game device 2, If it is determined that the same player has played many times on the arcade game device 2, the PDA
5 is rewritten, or a specific message is written in the message board data D14.

As described above, the PDA 5 can transmit and receive data to and from each other by the infrared communication function of the PDA 5 or another device having an infrared receiving function. The timing data created by the player may be transmitted and received by transmitting and receiving the data. in addition,
If the timing data has been transmitted or received a predetermined number of times or more, the flag data D1
1 may be rewritten.

The additional music data D13 and the message board data D14 written in the memory card 4 are
When the game is executed, the game may be automatically displayed on the monitor 109 at a timing that does not hinder the flow of the game. For example, when reading necessary data from the CD-ROM 7 when the play of one song ends and the process proceeds to the next song,
Using the waiting time required for the reading, the monitor 10
9, a message corresponding to the message board data D14 and information corresponding to the additional music data D13 may be displayed.

When the additional music data D13 is recorded, the data necessary for playing it is CD-RO.
Since the data does not exist in M7 and the capacity of the memory card 4 is insufficient to record the data, in the above-described embodiment, the data is recorded on the memory card 4 having only the music title of the additional music and is recorded on the monitor 109. However, if a recording medium having a sufficient storage capacity in terms of general music data can be used for data exchange between the devices 2 and 3, such as a magneto-optical storage medium or a small hard disk storage device, for example. If
The music data and timing data of the additional music may be transferred to the recording medium in the arcade game device 2 and set on the home game device 3 so that the additional music can be played. Alternatively, another CD-ROM 7 storing music data and timing data of an additional song is sold, and
The use of the D-ROM 7 may notify the player that the additional music can be played by using the additional music data D13 or the message board data D14. Only the timing data D2 may be transferred to the PDA 5 by using the infrared communication unit 21, and the gauge 202 may be displayed on the screen so that the user can play without music. In this case, the PDA 5 can be effectively used as a practice device for playing in the arcade game device 2 or the like.

The message board data D14 is not limited to character information.
It may include image data. Arbitrary information is recorded on a storage medium (CD-ROM or the like) readable by the home game apparatus 3, and the storage medium on which the information is recorded is distributed to a home as a magazine appendix or the like, and read from the storage medium. The displayed information may be displayed on the monitor 109 when the “INFORMATION” mode in FIG. 20 is selected, for example.

The functions realized by the cooperation of the present invention are not limited to those according to the above embodiments. For example, the reference mark 203 and the timing mark 204 displayed on the game screen 200 are edited by the home game device 3 and recorded on the memory card 4, read by the arcade game device 2 and displayed on the monitor 14. Is also good. An embodiment relating to such linkage will be described below.

FIG. 32 shows a mark 2 on the home-use game device 3.
An embodiment of a paint process executed by the CPU 101 to edit (draw) 03 and 204 is shown. The paint processing is performed, for example, by setting “PAINT” as a mode for drawing the marks 203 and 204 on the menu screen 220 in FIG.
To be executed when the item is selected by the player. The item “PAINT” is also “EDI
Like "T", it may be set as a hidden element, and may appear when a certain requirement is satisfied. Whether the appearance of “PAINT” as a hidden element can be determined by using the flag data D11 or D21 in FIG. 9 and in the same procedure as in FIG. Controller 1 of home game device 3
When a specific command is entered using
The appearance of "INT" may be permitted.

When the paint processing of FIG. 32 is started, first, initial settings necessary for executing the paint processing are performed (step S501). For example, the menu mode is selected as an initial setting from the two modes of the menu mode and the drawing mode prepared as the paint processing. Next, it is determined whether or not the player has operated the controller 112 (step S502). If there is no operation, the determination is repeated until there is an operation. Controller 112
Is performed, it is determined whether or not the operation is a mode switching operation (step S503). If it is determined that the operation is not the mode switching operation, it is determined whether or not the operation is an end operation for the paint processing (step S504). If it is not an end operation, a process corresponding to the operation detected in step S502 is performed (step S505), and thereafter, the process returns to step S502. Step S50
A specific example of the process executed in step 5 will be described later. Step S5
If it is determined in step S04 that the end operation has been performed, processing necessary to end the paint processing is performed (step S50).
6) After that, the paint processing ends.

When it is determined in step S503 that a mode switching operation has been performed, the process is switched to the drawing mode (step S511). Next, the controller 112
It is determined whether or not an operation has been performed on (step S
512) If there is no operation, the determination is repeated until there is an operation. When an operation is performed on the controller 112, it is determined whether or not the operation is a mode switching operation (step S513). If it is not a mode switching operation, a process corresponding to the operation detected in step S512 is performed (step S514), and thereafter, the process returns to step S512. A specific example of the processing executed in step S514 will be described later. If it is determined in step S513 that the operation is a mode switching operation, the process is switched to the menu mode (step S515).
The process is returned to 02.

FIG. 33A shows the operation of the controller 112 (FIG. 26) and the step S in the menu mode.
FIG. 5B shows the relationship between the operation performed in step S <b> 514 and the operation performed on the controller 112 (FIG. 26) in the drawing mode. FIGS. 34 and 35 show an example of a drawing screen 250 displayed on the monitor 109 during the paint processing. FIG. 34 shows a screen in the menu mode.
Reference numeral 5 denotes a screen in the drawing mode.

As is clear from FIGS. 34 and 35, the drawing screen 250 includes a menu 251 and a mark panel 25.
2, a campus 253, a color palette 254, a confirmation panel 255, and a reference panel 256 are displayed. The menu 251 is divided into blocks of 3 rows and 4 columns.
Each block is assigned a command that can be selected in the menu mode, and an icon representing the command is displayed on the block.

The campus 253 has the marks 203 and 204
An image (called an object) displayed as is set as an area drawn by the player. Mark panel 25
2 is divided into four blocks on the left and right as 1P side and 2P side, respectively.
F, 32B, 32L, and 32R, corresponding to the objects 300F, 300B, 300L, and 300R (hereinafter, referred to as objects).
It may be represented by reference numeral 300. ) Is displayed (see FIG. 35). On the color palette 254, color selection candidates for the object 300 to be drawn on the campus 253 are displayed side by side. In the drawing mode, the block corresponding to the selected color is displayed larger than the blocks corresponding to the other colors, and a color number (a unique number assigned to each color) is displayed inside. You.

On the confirmation panel 255, the campus 25 is displayed.
3 is displayed in a state when the object 300 being drawn is actually displayed in the gauge 202. Reference panel 25
An official mark 310 is displayed on 6. The official mark 310 is an arrow object prepared in advance to be displayed as the marks 203 and 204 on the gauge 202, and is recorded as image data on the CD-ROM 7.

Further, as is apparent from FIG. 34, in the menu mode, a message window 257 is displayed so as to overlap the campus 253 or the like. Also,
As shown in FIG. 35, in the drawing mode, an arrow-shaped cursor CR is displayed in the campus 252. Then, in the information display section 258 below the color palette 254, the coordinates indicated by the tip of the cursor CR and the number of the color assigned to the coordinates are displayed. A color number display section 259 appears below the reference panel 256, and the number of the color currently selected from the color palette 254 is displayed therein.

Next, the relationship between the operation of the controller 112 in each of the menu mode and the drawing mode and the processing executed corresponding thereto will be described.

First, the processing in the menu mode will be described. As is clear from FIG. 33A, in the menu mode, the direction keys PB1 to PB4 of the controller 112 are set.
Is operated, one block of the menu 251 is selected, and when the o button PB8 is pressed, the command assigned to the block selected at that time is executed. In FIG. 34, the block at the upper left end of the menu 251 is selected, and the selected block is displayed larger than other blocks so that the player can see the selected state. Commands assigned to each block of the menu 251 are as follows.

Regarding the upper block of the menu 251, in order from left to right, the mode is switched to the drawing mode, the grid display is turned on / off on the campus 253, the image (object 300) displayed on the campus 253 is moved, and Left and right reversals of the same image are assigned. The grid is displayed so as to divide the campus 253 into a grid. The movement of the object 300 is executed by, for example, operating the direction keys PB1 to PB4 while pressing the o button PB8 of the controller 112 to specify the moving direction.

[0203] Next, regarding the middle block of the menu 252, the image displayed on the campus 253 is rotated 90 ° clockwise in order from left to right.
Of the sample image displayed on the campus 253, discarding (erasing) the image displayed on the campus 253,
The set of images to the designated position (the position designated by the cursor CR) is assigned. Several sample images are prepared on the CD-ROM 7 in advance, and a desired image can be selected by a predetermined operation on the controller 112 and displayed on the campus 253.

[0204] Further, regarding the lower block of the menu 252, in order from left to right, an image at a designated position in the campus 253 is acquired, and the data (paint data) of the object 300 created by the painting process is transferred to the memory card 4. , The reading of the paint data from the memory card 4, and the end of the paint process.

When the leftmost block at the top of the above commands is selected and a decision operation is performed, a positive determination is made in step S503 in the process of FIG. 32, and the process proceeds to step S511. If the rightmost block in the lower row is selected and the determination operation is performed, a positive determination is made in step S504 in the process of FIG. 32, and the process proceeds to step S506. If another operation is performed, a negative determination is made in step S504, and the processing assigned to each block is executed to the processing in step S505. Note that, as is clear from FIG. 33A, when the start button PB14 is pressed, the processing switches to the drawing mode regardless of the selection of the menu 251. In this case as well, in the process of FIG. 32, the determination in step S503 is affirmative, and the process proceeds to step S511.

On the other hand, in the case of the drawing mode, the processing shown in FIG. First, when the direction keys PB1 to PB4 are operated,
The cursor CR moves in a direction corresponding to the operated direction. For example, when the upward key PB1 is operated, the cursor CR continuously moves upward while this key is pressed. When the △ button PB5 is operated, the cursor position (the position indicated by the tip of the cursor CR)
A predetermined range is colored in a range selected from the color pallet 254 based on. In this case, the predetermined range is equal to the range of Mc × Mc vertically and horizontally when the minimum movement amount of the cursor CR in the vertical and horizontal directions is Mc. Hereinafter, this range is referred to as a minimum drawing range. When the X button PB6 is operated, the minimum drawing range starting from the cursor position is changed to the color corresponding to the color number 0. The color number 0 is, for example, the background color of the campus 253. When the button PB7 is operated, the color number at the cursor position is
The color acquired by 101 and selected from the color palette 253 is changed to the color corresponding to the acquired number. When the button PB8 is operated, the minimum drawing range based on the cursor position is the color palette 2
54 is selected.

When the L1 button PB9 is operated, the color selected from the color palette 254 is changed to the color corresponding to the previous color number. When the R1 button PB11 is operated, the color selected from the color palette 254 is changed to the color corresponding to the next color number. When the L2 button PB10 is operated, the official mark 310 displayed on the reference panel 256 is actually
The animation is displayed in the same manner as when the image is displayed as 02. When the R2 button PB12 is operated, the mark (object) being drawn on the campus 253 is animated according to a predetermined procedure. For example, the color of the object 300 is switched stepwise according to a predetermined procedure.

When the select button PB13 is operated, a guide screen 270 shown in FIG. 36 is displayed. The guide screen 270 includes an upper window 271 for displaying information (for example, member name) for specifying an operation member on the controller 112, and an upper window 27.
1 is provided with a lower window 272 in which a command assigned to the operation member displayed in 1 is displayed. Each window 2 according to the operation of the controller 112
The information displayed at 71 changes. By referring to this, the player can grasp the processing in the drawing mode. For example, select button PB1 of controller 112
When the user operates No. 3, the guide screen 270 is closed and the editing screen 250 of FIG. 35 is displayed.

The above processing is executed as the processing of step S514 in FIG. On the other hand, when the start button PB14 of the controller 112 is operated in the drawing mode, the mode is switched to the menu mode. In this case, an affirmative determination is made in step S513 in the process of FIG. 32, and the process returns to step S502.

In the above paint processing, the mark panel 25 is operated by a predetermined operation on the controller 112.
2, a desired object is selected from the objects 300 displayed on the campus 253 and displayed on the campus 253, which can be edited in the drawing mode according to the player's preference, or the campus 25 where the object 300 does not exist.
3 can be freely drawn and registered in a desired block in the mark panel 252. As described above, the image data created by the paint process is selected as the paint data on the memory card 4 by selecting the second block from the lower left of the menu 251 in the menu mode and executing the command assigned to the block. Can be recorded.

[0211] The paint data recorded on the memory card 4 may be used in either the home game apparatus 3 or the arcade game apparatus 2. For example, in the home game device 3, when "TRAINING" is selected from the menu screen 220 in FIG. 20, the memory card 4 is searched to determine the presence or absence of paint data. Inquires about the use of paint data, and when a player wants to use paint data, a CD-ROM
7, marks 203, 204 based on the object specified by the paint data.
Can be displayed. Similarly, in the arcade game device 2, the gauge 202 is used by using the paint data.
Marks 203 and 204 can be displayed. In order to use the paint data in the arcade game device 2, the paint data may be handled in the same manner as the edit data in the processing of FIG. FIG. 37 shows an example in which the gauge 202 is displayed using the paint data.

[0212] The coordination of the present invention can be implemented in still other forms. For example, the data edited by the home game device and passed to the arcade game device is not limited to the timing of operating the operation member and the mark displayed on the gauge, and is used for guiding the operation to the player. May be editable.

When the input devices 30 and 112 are operated in accordance with the instruction given from the gauge 202, an effect such as a sound effect or an image may be generated. In this case, production effect data for further producing a production effect is added to the data shown in FIG.
It is conceivable to have the player edit the effect data and use the edited data in an arcade game device. For example, in a case where a sound effect is generated for an operation of the input device, sound source data for reproducing the sound effect and which sound effect is assigned to each operation defined in the timing data are determined. By preparing sound effect assignment data to be defined, the sound effect assignment data can be edited by the player, so that the player can assign a desired sound.

[0214] The play history (for example, the number of plays) in the arcade game device 2 or the home video game device 3 is recorded on the memory card 4, and based on the record, the game screen of the arcade game device 2 or the video game device 3 is displayed. The displayed image may be changed.

The present invention can be applied to a music game other than a dance game, and further to a game system other than a music game. That is, the fact that the hidden element of the other game appears in accordance with the play result of one game can be applied to a game system for a game of another genre. Even when a game of a different genre is executed between a plurality of linked game devices, the link regarding the hidden element can be applied. A medium for exchanging information between a pair of game apparatuses may be any medium that can be used in the home game apparatus 3 in addition to the semiconductor memory, and may be replaced with a magnetic storage medium, a magneto-optical storage medium, or the like. . A modem, a terminal adapter, and a dial-up router are installed on both the arcade game device 2 and the home game device 3, and the game devices 2 and 3 are connected to each other through a specific server on the Internet or an intranet using a public telephone line. May enable data exchange.

The input device is not limited to a foot-operated type, but may be a device using a hand. An input device imitating various musical instruments such as a keyboard, a guitar, and a drum may be provided. The operation instruction to the player may include a selection instruction regarding selection of an operation target that indicates which one of the plurality of operation members is to be operated, and an instruction regarding operation timing of the specified operation member. An operation member to be selectively operated and an operation member to be operated in accordance with the instructed timing may be separately provided. For example, when a guitar-type input device is used, the player may be instructed to select a guitar fret and an instruction regarding the timing of a picking operation to be performed in accordance with the fret operation.

[0219]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the game executed on the first game device,
Since the second game device determines only whether the predetermined condition is satisfied and changes the game content, the restriction on the development schedule of the game to be linked is relaxed,
Linkage among a plurality of game devices can be performed more flexibly and easily. This makes it possible to enhance the possibility of linking data between a plurality of game devices. In particular, when software, so-called porting, is performed between an arcade game device and a home game device, linkage can be performed flexibly and easily, and a novel way of playing that cannot be obtained by a single game is provided to the player. Interest in the game can be increased.

Further, particularly in the case of a music game, the appearance of an edit mode of data relating to a specific song or an operation instruction is controlled by linkage to realize a novel linkage that has not been provided in a game up to now. Furthermore, by transmitting information on the edited timing data between game devices, it is possible to provide almost the same play environment even when the hardware environment is different, for example, between an arcade game device and a home game device. It is possible to attract players' interest to each device equally and enhance their value mutually. Furthermore, it is possible to evaluate the game results and the like from the arcade game device to the home game device, distribute a message, and the like, thereby expanding the elements that can be realized by cooperation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view showing the appearance of an arcade game device included in the game system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game execution unit provided in the arcade game device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a link control unit provided in the arcade game device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a home game device included in the game system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a view showing the concept of data recorded on the CD-ROM of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a game screen in a dance game executed on the arcade game device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a basic process of a CPU for executing a dance game on the arcade game device.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an outline of data recorded on a memory card included in the game system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of flag data recorded in the AM area of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the contents of high score data recorded in the AM area of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the contents of additional music data recorded in the AM area of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a monitor when message board data recorded in the AM area of FIG. 9 is created.

FIG. 14 is a view showing the contents of an edit data file recorded in the AM area of FIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is a view showing the contents of edit data in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a relationship between a specific structure of the link timing data shown in FIG. 15 and a corresponding gauge display.

17 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a play condition setting process executed by the CPU of the arcade game device so as to enable play using the edit data file of FIG. 9;

18 is a diagram illustrating a CPU of an arcade game device for writing flag data, high score data, and the like in FIG. 9 into an AM area;
9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a data write process executed by the CPU.

19 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which the CPU of the home-use game device switches the display contents of the menu illustrated in FIG. 20 according to the flag data in FIG. 9;

FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of a menu screen displayed by the processing of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a play condition setting process executed by the CPU of the consumer game device before starting the game.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in an edit mode executed by the consumer game device.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an initial state of an edit screen displayed according to the processing of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen during editing work.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a screen for inputting an edit name in the edit mode.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a controller used in a home game device.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a correspondence between operation members on the controller of FIG. 26 and operations assigned to the operation members.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the CPU at the time of editing work.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the CPU during test play.

FIG. 30 is a view showing a display example of a screen when a test play is executed.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing another screen displayed during the test play.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a procedure in the case where a mark used for guiding an operation can be created by a player.

FIG. 33 is a view showing a correspondence relationship between an operation on the controller when the processing in FIG. 32 is performed and a processing executed by the CPU in response thereto.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an editing screen when a menu mode is selected in the paint processing of FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an editing screen when a drawing mode is selected in the paint processing of FIG. 32;

FIG. 36 is a view showing an example in which a guide screen is displayed in the paint processing of FIG. 32;

FIG. 37 is a view showing an example in which a gauge is displayed by using image data created by the paint processing of FIG. 32;

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 game system 2 arcade game device 3 home game device 4 memory card 5 PDA 10 game machine main body 14 monitor 17 operation input section 18 push button switch 19 card insertion section 20 memory card slot 21 infrared communication unit 30 stage 31 play section 32F 32B, 32L, 32R Foot switch 50 Game execution unit 51 CPU 80 Link control unit 101 CPU 109 Monitor 112 Controller 200 Game screen 202L, 202R Gauge 203F, 203B, 203L, 203R Reference mark 204F, 204B, 204L, 204R Timing mark (index) ) 210 Message input screen 220 Menu screen 230 Edit screen 235 Area selection menu 240 Name input screen

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Kazuya Takahashi 7-3-3 Minatojima-Nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Prefecture Within Konami Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hirotaka Ishikawa 3-25, Kandajinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Co., Ltd. Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo (72) Inventor Akinori Tamura 3-25, Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, Ltd. (72) Inventor Yasumi Takase 3-25 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Konami Corporation Computer Entertainment Tokyo (72) Inventor Takashi Nishibori 3-25 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kei Kei Nagaoka 3-25 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Konami Computer Entertainment Inc. Mento Tokyo (72) Inventor Yoshiko Wada 3-chome, Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 25 Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yumi Yoshida 3-chome, Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo F-term (reference) 2C001 BB00 BB05 BB09 BC00 BD05 CB00 CB01 CB05 CB06 CB08 CC02 DA00 DA04

Claims (50)

[Claims] 1. A game machine comprising: first and second game devices for executing a game according to a predetermined program,
In a game system in which information can be exchanged between these game devices, the first game device has a function for determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied in a game executed on the game device. Information output means for outputting discrimination information is provided; and the second game device is provided with information on a game to be executed on the second game device based on the discrimination information output from the first game device. A game system, comprising: game content control means for changing the content. 2. A linkage storage device functioning as an intermediary for exchanging information between the first game device and the second game device, and the discrimination is made via the linkage storage device. The game system according to claim 1, wherein information is transmitted from the first game device to the second game device. 3. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the determination information is transmitted from the first game device to the second game device via a predetermined communication medium. 4. The information output means according to claim 1, wherein said information output means changes the content of said determination information based on a play result of a game executed on said first game device. The game system according to any one of the above. 5. The game content control means provided in the second game device, as a means for changing the content of the game, the appearance of a predetermined hidden element in the game based on the discrimination information. Determination means for determining whether or not to permit, if the appearance is permitted, the permitted hidden element is caused to appear in the game, and if the appearance is not permitted, the appearance of the hidden element is prohibited. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a hidden element control unit. 6. The information output means provided in the first game device, wherein the discrimination information is permitted when the play result of the game is equal to or higher than a certain level, and The discrimination information is set and output in a non-permission state, and the discrimination means provided in the second game device determines that the appearance is permitted when the discrimination information is in the permission state, and The game system according to claim 5, wherein when the information is in the non-permission state, it is determined that the appearance is not permitted. 7. An input device having at least one operation member as a means for executing the game, the second game device outputting a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member, Music data for playing each of the songs, and guidance data for each song required to guide the operation of the input device in accordance with the song played based on the music data. A storage device; a song selection unit that selects one song from the plurality of songs; a music playback unit that plays the selected song based on music data corresponding to the selected song; Operation guidance means for instructing a player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction means, based on the guidance data corresponding to the music data. A part is set as the hidden element, and when the appearance is permitted, the hidden element control means enables the selection means to select a song set as the hidden element, and the appearance is not permitted 7. The game system according to claim 5, wherein selection of a song set as the hidden element is disabled at the time. 8. An input device having at least one operation member as means for executing the game, wherein the second game device outputs a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member. A game storage device in which music data for reproducing the song, and guidance data necessary for guiding the operation of the input device in accordance with the music reproduced based on the music data are recorded; Music playing means for playing the predetermined music based on the music data recorded in the game storage device; and the music playing means based on the guidance data recorded in the game storage device. And operation guide means for instructing a player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the song. The second game device further comprises: setting as the hidden element. Mode selecting means for selecting one mode from a plurality of modes including the edited mode, and editing means for creating the guidance data in response to an operation on the input device when the editing mode is selected. Wherein the hidden element control means enables the selection means to select the edit mode when the appearance is permitted, and disables the edit mode when the appearance is not permitted. 7. The game system according to claim 5, wherein: 9. An input device having at least one operation member as means for executing the game, wherein the first game device outputs a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member, Music data for playing the same music as the music played by the music playing means of the second game device, and guiding the operation of the input device in accordance with the music played based on the music data A game storage device on which guidance data necessary for the game is recorded; music reproduction means for reproducing the music based on the music data recorded on the game storage device; and a music reproduction device recorded on the game storage device. Operation guide means for instructing a player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction means based on the guidance data, Wherein the first information for specifying the contents of the guidance data created from the second game device Ri
9. The game according to claim 8, wherein the operation guide means of the first game device is capable of instructing the player to perform an operation based on the transmitted information. system. 10. The system according to claim 8, wherein the guidance data includes timing data defining timing for operating an operation member of the input device, and the editing unit can create the timing data. 10. The game system according to 9. 11. The first game device and the second game device
11. The game device according to claim 1, wherein one of the game devices is an arcade game device, and the other of the first game device and the second game device is a home game device. The game system according to any one of the above. 12. A game system comprising first and second game devices, each of which executes a game according to a predetermined program, wherein information can be exchanged between the game devices. Each of the second game devices has at least one operation member as a means for executing the game, and an input device that outputs a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member; Music data for reproducing the same song on each of the second game devices and guidance data necessary for guiding the operation of the input device in accordance with the song to be reproduced based on the music data are recorded. A game storage device, music playing means for playing music based on the music data recorded in the game storage device, An operation guide unit for instructing a player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction unit based on the recorded guidance data; and wherein the second game device has An editing unit that creates the guidance data in response to an operation on the input device; and an information output unit that outputs information for specifying the content of the created guidance data. The operation guide means of the game device is provided with the second
A game system capable of instructing the player to perform an operation based on information for specifying the content of the guidance data output from the game device. 13. A linkage storage device functioning as an intermediary for exchanging information between the first game device and the second game device, and the guide is provided via the linkage storage device. 13. The game system according to claim 12, wherein information for specifying the content of the use data is transmitted from the second game device to the first game device. 14. The system according to claim 12, wherein information for specifying the content of the guidance data is transmitted from the second game device to the first game device via a predetermined communication medium. The game system according to 1. 15. The data for guidance includes timing data defining timing for operating an operation member of the input device, and the editing unit can create the timing data. The game system according to claim 12. 16. The operation guide means according to claim 1, wherein:
When the timing to operate the operation member of the input device comes, the index is relatively moved and displayed so as to reach a predetermined position in a game screen to guide the operation. Item 13. The game system according to Item 12. 17. The game system according to claim 15, wherein the editing unit sets a timing at which the index reaches the predetermined position in accordance with an operation of the input device. 18. The guide data includes image data necessary for displaying the index, and the editing means can create image data required for displaying the index. The game system according to claim 15, wherein: 19. A game comprising: first and second game devices each of which executes a game according to a predetermined program; and a linkage storage device functioning as an intermediary for exchanging information between these game devices. In the system, the first game device is provided with information recording means for recording notification information for the purpose of notifying a player in the linkage storage device, and the second game device is provided with the linkage storage device. A game system, comprising: information display means for reading the notification information recorded in the device and displaying the notification information on a screen of a display device provided in the second game device. 20. The game system according to claim 19, wherein information input means for inputting said notification information is provided in said first game device. 21. The first game device and the second game device
21. The game device according to claim 19, wherein each of the game devices is configured to execute substantially the same game, and the notification information includes information corresponding to a play result of the first game device. The described game system. 22. Each of the first and second game devices has at least one operation member as a means for executing the game, and outputs a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member. An input device, music data for reproducing each of the plurality of songs, and guidance data necessary for guiding the operation of the input device in accordance with the song to be reproduced based on the music data are recorded. A game storage device; a song selection unit that selects one song from the plurality of songs; a music playback unit that plays back the selected song based on music data corresponding to the selected song; Operation guide means for instructing a player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction means based on guidance data corresponding to music data; Evaluation means for evaluating the play content of the player based on a difference between the operation of the input device instructed by the guidance means and the actual operation of the input device by the player; The information recording means of the game device of
21. The information corresponding to the evaluation result of the evaluation means provided in the game device according to the first aspect of the present invention can be recorded as the notification information in the linking recording device.
The game system according to 1. 23. A game system comprising first and second game devices each of which executes a game according to a predetermined program, wherein information can be exchanged between the game devices. Each of the second game devices has at least one operation member as a means for executing the game, and an input device that outputs a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member; Music data for reproducing, and a game storage device in which guidance data for each song required to guide the operation of the input device in accordance with the song to be played based on the music data is recorded, Music selection means for selecting one of the plurality of music pieces; music reproduction means for reproducing the selected music piece based on music data corresponding to the selected music piece; An operation guide unit that instructs a player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction unit based on guidance data corresponding to the selected music data; Evaluation means for evaluating the play content of the player based on a difference between the operation of the input device and the actual operation of the input device by the player.The first game device includes: An information output unit that outputs information corresponding to an evaluation result of the evaluation unit provided in the first game device; and the second game device includes an information output unit that outputs the information output from the first game device. Based on the information corresponding to the evaluation result, the evaluation result of the evaluation means provided in the first game device is displayed on the screen of the display device provided in the second game device. Game system, characterized by that the information display means. 24. The game system according to claim 19, wherein said first game device is an arcade game device, and said second game device is a home game device. . 25. A game device capable of executing a game according to a predetermined program and exchanging information with another game device, wherein a predetermined condition is satisfied in the executed game. A game device comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether the other game device uses the determination information corresponding to the determination result of the determination unit. 26. The information output device according to claim 2, wherein the discrimination information is recorded in a linkage storage device from which the information can be read by the another game device.
6. The game device according to 5. 27. The game device according to claim 25, wherein said information output means outputs said determination information to said another game device via a predetermined communication medium. 28. A game device capable of executing a game according to a predetermined program and exchanging information with another game device, wherein a predetermined condition is satisfied in a game executed on the other game device. When determination information for determining whether or not is satisfied is output from the other game device, information detection means for detecting the output determination information, and based on the detected determination information, A game device comprising: game content control means for causing a change in the content of a game executed by the game device itself. 29. The method according to claim 29, wherein the discrimination information is recorded from the other game apparatus in a predetermined link storage device, and the information detecting means detects the discrimination information recorded in the link storage device. The game device according to claim 28. 30. The game device according to claim 28, wherein said information detecting means detects said discrimination information via a predetermined communication medium. 31. The game content control means, as means for changing the content of the game, determining whether or not to allow a predetermined hidden element to appear in the game based on the determination information. A hidden element control means for causing the hidden element to appear in the game when the appearance is permitted, and for prohibiting the appearance of the hidden element when the appearance is not permitted. The game device according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein: 32. An input device having at least one operation member and outputting a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member, music data for reproducing each of a plurality of songs, and music data based on the music data. A game storage device in which guidance data for each song required to guide the operation of the input device in accordance with the song to be played is stored; and song selection means for selecting one song from the plurality of songs. Music playback means for playing back the selected song based on music data corresponding to the selected song; and music playback by the music playback unit based on guidance data corresponding to the selected music data. Operation guide means for instructing a player to operate the input device in accordance with reproduction, wherein a part of the plurality of songs is set as the hidden element, and the hidden element control means When the appearance is permitted, selection of the music set as the hidden element by the selection means is enabled, and when the appearance is not permitted, selection of the music set as the hidden element is disabled. 32. The game device according to claim 31, wherein: 33. An input device having at least one operation member and outputting a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member, music data for reproducing a predetermined music, and reproduction based on the music data A storage device for a game in which guidance data necessary for guiding the operation of the input device in accordance with music to be played is recorded; and the predetermined song based on the music data recorded in the storage device for the game. An operation for instructing a player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the predetermined music by the music reproduction unit based on the guidance data recorded in the game storage device. Guidance means, mode selection means for selecting one mode from a plurality of modes including an edit mode set as the hidden element, and the edit mode is selected. Editing means for creating the guidance data in response to an operation on the input device, wherein the hidden element control means sets the edit mode by the selection means when the appearance is permitted. 32. The game device according to claim 31, wherein selection is possible, and selection of the edit mode is disabled when the appearance is not permitted. 34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the guidance data includes timing data defining timing for operating an operation member of the input device, and the editing means can create the timing data. The described game system. 35. A game device capable of executing a game according to a predetermined program and exchanging information with another game device, comprising at least one operation member, and an operation state of the operation member. An input device for outputting a signal corresponding to the music data for playing back a predetermined music, and a guide for guiding the operation of the input device in accordance with the music played based on the music data A game storage device on which data is recorded; music reproduction means for reproducing the music based on the music data recorded on the game storage device; and a guidance data recorded on the game storage device. An operation guide unit for instructing a player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction unit, and the other game device. Information receiving means for receiving information for specifying the content of the guidance data corresponding to the predetermined song, wherein the operation guiding means operates the player based on the information received by the information receiving means. A game device capable of instructing a game. 36. The guide data includes timing data defining timing for operating an operation member of the input device, and the information receiving unit transmits information for specifying the content of the timing data. The game device according to claim 35, wherein the game device receives the game. 37. The operation guide means includes:
When the timing to operate the operation member of the input device comes, the index is relatively moved and displayed so as to reach a predetermined position in a game screen to guide the operation. Item 36. The game device according to Item 35. 38. The game according to claim 37, wherein the information receiving means receives information relating to a time when the index reaches the predetermined position as information for specifying the content of the guidance data. apparatus. 39. The guide data includes image data necessary for displaying the index, and the information receiving unit includes the guide data as information for specifying the content of the guide data. The game system according to claim 37, wherein the game system receives information on image data necessary for displaying an index. 40. An input device having at least one operation member and outputting a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member, music data for reproducing a predetermined music, and reproduction based on the music data A game storage device in which guidance data necessary for guiding the operation of the input device in accordance with the music to be played is recorded; and the music is reproduced based on the music data recorded in the game storage device. Music playback means, and operation guidance means for instructing a player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction means based on the guidance data recorded in the game storage device, Editing means for creating the guidance data in response to an operation on the input device; and an information output means for outputting information for specifying the content of the created guidance data. The operation guide means relatively moves a predetermined index so that the index reaches a predetermined position in a game screen when a timing to operate an operation member of the input device comes. The guide data is displayed to guide the operation, and the guide data includes image data necessary for displaying the index, and the editing unit creates image data necessary for displaying the index. A game device characterized by being possible. 41. An arcade game device capable of executing a game according to a predetermined program, comprising: an input device having at least one operation member and outputting a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member; A game storage device in which music data for reproducing a song and guidance data necessary for guiding the operation of the input device in accordance with the song to be reproduced based on the music data are recorded; Music reproducing means for reproducing the music based on the music data recorded in the storage device for music, and reproducing the music by the music reproducing means based on the guidance data recorded in the game storage device. An operation guide unit for instructing a player to perform an operation of the input device in accordance with the operation of the input device instructed by the operation guide unit Based on a deviation from the actual operation of the input device, an evaluation unit that evaluates the play content of the player, and information corresponding to the evaluation result of the evaluation unit is stored in a storage device used in the home game device. And an information recording means for recording the information in a manner readable by the consumer game device. 42. An arcade game device in which play is permitted within a range set in accordance with an economic value dropped by a player, wherein: an information generating means for generating information including characters; Information recording means for recording the information generated in the storage device used by the consumer game device in a manner readable by the consumer game device, a business game characterized by comprising: apparatus. 43. The arcade game device according to claim 42, wherein the information generation means generates the information in response to an operation on an input device provided in the arcade game device. 44. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a game device using a computer to execute a predetermined game, wherein the program causes the computer to execute a predetermined game in the game. Is configured to function as determination means for determining whether or not the condition is satisfied, and information output means for outputting determination information corresponding to the determination result of the determination means for use in another game device. A computer-readable storage medium, comprising: 45. A computer-readable storage medium in which a program for causing a game device using a computer to execute a predetermined game is recorded, wherein the program causes the computer to operate on another game device. Information detection means for detecting the output discrimination information when discrimination information for discriminating whether a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game to be executed is output from the other game device; and A computer-readable storage medium configured to function as game content control means for causing a change in the content of a game executed by the game device itself based on the detected discrimination information. . 46. Music data for reproducing a predetermined music, guidance data necessary for guiding an operation of an input device of a game apparatus in accordance with the music reproduced based on the music data, and A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer of a game device to execute a music game using music data and guidance data, wherein the program includes:
The computer, based on information received by the information receiving means for receiving information for specifying the content of the guidance data corresponding to the predetermined music prepared in another game device, A computer-readable storage medium configured to function as operation instruction means for instructing the player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the predetermined music. 47. Music data for reproducing a predetermined tune, guidance data necessary for guiding an operation of an input device of a game apparatus to a tune reproduced based on the music data, and A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer of a game device to execute a music game using music data and guidance data, wherein the program includes:
An operation for instructing a player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction means based on the guidance data; Guide means, evaluation means for evaluating the play content of the player based on a difference between the operation of the input device instructed by the operation guide means and the actual operation of the input device by the player, and the evaluation It is configured to function as information recording means for recording information corresponding to the evaluation result of the means in a storage device used in the home game device in a manner readable by the home game device. A computer-readable storage medium characterized by the above-mentioned. 48. Music data for reproducing a predetermined music, guidance data necessary for guiding the operation of the input device of the game apparatus in accordance with the music to be reproduced based on the music data, and A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer of a game device to execute a music game using music data and guidance data, wherein the program includes:
An operation for instructing a player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction means based on the guidance data; Guidance means, editing means for creating the guidance data in response to an operation on the input device, and information output means for outputting information for specifying the contents of the created guidance data, respectively. The operation guide means is configured to relatively move and display a predetermined index so that the index reaches a predetermined position in a game screen when a timing to operate an operation member of the input device comes. Guiding the operation, the guide data includes image data necessary for displaying the index, and the editing unit includes the index A computer-readable storage medium capable of creating image data necessary for displaying a computer. 49. A game system comprising first and second game devices, each of which executes a game according to a predetermined program, wherein information can be exchanged between the game devices. Each of the second game devices has at least one operation member as a means for executing the game, and an input device that outputs a signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member; Music data for playing back a predetermined song on each of the second game devices, and play data created in association with the operation of the input device in accordance with the song played based on the music data are recorded. A game storage device, music playback means for playing back music based on the music data recorded in the game storage device, and the game storage device Operation guidance means for instructing a player to operate the input device in accordance with the reproduction of the music by the music reproduction means based on the play data recorded in the second game device. Is provided with editing means for creating the play data in response to an operation on the input device, and information output means for outputting information for specifying the content of the created play data, The game device according to claim 1, wherein the game is executable by using the play data output from the second game device. 50. The play data includes data defining a staging effect to be generated in response to an operation of the input device in response to an instruction from the operation guide means. A game system wherein the editing means is capable of creating data defining the effect.